Hyperimmunized egg product for treatment of necrotic enteritis in poultry

ABSTRACT

In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for preventing or treating necrotic enteritis by administering a hyperimmunized egg product obtained from an egg-producing animal to an avian. The hyperimmunized egg product may contain an antibody specific to an antigen selected from the group consisting of Clostridium perfringens α-toxin, Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu), Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin, Clostridium perfringens Pyruvate: Ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFO), and Eimeria tenella elongation factor 1-alpha.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 15/895,636, filed Feb. 13, 2018, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/458,180 filed on Feb. 13, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/568,932 filed on Oct. 6, 2017, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.

RELATED FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

The work described in this application was sponsored by USDA, Agricultural Research Service.

SUBMISSION OF SEQUENCE LISTING

The Sequence Listing associated with this application is filed in electronic format via EFS-Web and hereby incorporated by reference into the specification in its entirety. The name of the text file containing the Sequence Listing is 099726_20501_US_Sequence_Listing. The size of the text file is 37 KB, and the text file was created on Sep. 18, 2019.

BACKGROUND

Necrotic enteritis (NE), caused by the bacterial pathogen Clostridium perfringens, is one of the most important infectious diseases in the current poultry production system. This disease globally causes severe economic losses due to mortality and decreased growth performance. Along with the increasing regulations for the removal of antibiotic growth promoters from poultry feed, the incidence of necrotic enteritis is also steadily increasing. The loss due to necrotic enteritis was estimated to be $2 billion dollars globally in the year 2000. But, a recent report published in World Poultry (Vol 31, No. 7, 2015) states that the true costs of necrotic enteritis are now closer to $6 billion dollars globally.

The modern poultry industry is largely dependent upon the use of antibiotics for treatment of bacterial diseases such as necrotic enteritis, and for growth promotion. However, in recent years, there have been several reports of the development of resistance to commonly used antibiotics in various pathogens. There is also increasing concern about the potential risks to human health from drug residues and the possible transfer of antibiotic-resistance genes from animal to human microbiota. In fact, the use of antibiotics for growth promotion has been banned in the European Union since 2006. In the US, many large producers are adopting non-antibiotic approaches for the prevention and treatment of various diseases and aiming at switching to completely antibiotic free production in couple of years. Thus a need exists for the development of efficient non-antibiotic strategies for the control and prevention of necrotic enteritis.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In certain aspects, the invention relates to a method for preventing or treating necrotic enteritis in an avian in need thereof, comprising administering to the avian a therapeutically effective amount of a hyperimmunized egg product obtained from an egg-producing animal, thereby preventing or treating the necrotic enteritis in the subject, wherein the hyperimmunized egg product comprises a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody to an antigen selected from the group consisting of Clostridium perfringens α-toxin, Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu), Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin, Clostridium perfringens Pyruvate: Ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFO), and Eimeria tenella elongation factor 1-alpha.

In certain embodiments, the method further comprises hyperimmunizing the egg-producing animal with the antigen, collecting a hyperimmunized egg from the egg-producing animal that has been hyperimmunized, and preparing a hyperimmunized egg product from the hyperimmunized egg. In certain embodiments, the egg-producing animal is hyperimmunized with a composition comprising one or more of an antigenic protein, an antigenic bacterium, and a genetic vaccine. In certain embodiments, the egg-producing animal is an avian. In certain embodiments, the egg-producing animal is selected from the group consisting of fowl, turkey, duck, and goose. In certain embodiments, the avian is selected from the group consisting of chicken, turkey, goose, duck, pheasant, quail, pigeon and ostrich.

In certain embodiments, the composition comprises an antigenic protein selected from the group consisting of Clostridium perfringens α-toxin, Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu), Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin, Clostridium perfringens Pyruvate: Ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFO), and Eimeria tenella elongation factor 1-alpha. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises at least two of the antigenic proteins. In certain embodiments, the at least two antigenic proteins are Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu) and Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin.

In certain embodiments, the antigenic bacterium is selected from the group consisting of Escherichia coli; Escherichia coli (Aerobacter); Klebsiella pneumoniae; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Salmonella typhimurium; Salmonella dysenteriae; Salmonella enteriditis; Salmonella epidermis; Salmonella simulans; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 1; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 3; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 5; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 8; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 12; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 14; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 18; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 22; Pseudomonas vulgaris; Streptococcus agalactiae; Streptococcus mitis; Streptococcus mutans; Streptococcus salavarius; Streptococcus sanguis; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Propionibacterium acnes; and Haemophilis influenzae.

In certain embodiments, the genetic vaccine comprises DNA encoding a protein selected from the group consisting of Clostridium perfringens α-toxin, Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu), Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin, Clostridium perfringens Pyruvate: Ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFO), and Eimeria tenella elongation factor 1-alpha. In certain embodiments, the genetic vaccine comprises DNA encoding at least two proteins selected from the group consisting of Clostridium perfringens α-toxin, Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu), Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin, Clostridium perfringens Pyruvate: Ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFO), Eimeria tenella elongation factor 1-alpha, and Eimeria tenella 3-1E profilin. In certain embodiments, the at least two proteins are Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu) and Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin.

In certain embodiments, the hyperimmunized egg product comprises at least 20% more by weight of an IgY antibody specific to an antigen selected from the group consisting of Clostridium perfringens α-toxin, Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu), Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin, Clostridium perfringens Pyruvate: Ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFO), and Eimeria tenella elongation factor 1-alpha relative to a control egg product obtained from an egg-producing animal that is not hyperimmunized.

In certain embodiments, the hyperimmunized egg product comprises therapeutically effective amounts of at least two antibodies, each of which is specific to a different antigen selected from the group consisting of Clostridium perfringens α-toxin, Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu), Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin, Clostridium perfringens Pyruvate: Ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFO), Eimeria tenella elongation factor 1-alpha, and Eimeria tenella 3-1E profilin. In certain embodiments, the hyperimmunized egg product comprises a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody to Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu), and a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody to Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin. In certain embodiments, the hyperimmunized egg product comprises a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody to a bacterium selected from the group consisting of Escherichia coli; Escherichia coli (Aerobacter); Klebsiella pneumoniae; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Salmonella typhimurium; Salmonella dysenteriae; Salmonella enteriditis; Salmonella epidermis; Salmonella simulans; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 1; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 3; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 5; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 8; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 12; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 14; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 18; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 22; Pseudomonas vulgaris; Streptococcus agalactiae; Streptococcus mitis; Streptococcus mutans; Streptococcus salavarius; Streptococcus sanguis; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Propionibacterium acnes; and Haemophilis influenzae.

In certain embodiments, the hyperimmunized egg product comprises a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising antibodies to each of the following bacteria: Escherichia coli; Escherichia coli (Aerobacter); Klebsiella pneumoniae; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Salmonella typhimurium; Salmonella dysenteriae; Salmonella enteriditis; Salmonella epidermis; Salmonella simulans; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 1; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 3; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 5; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 8; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 12; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 14; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 18; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 22; Pseudomonas vulgaris; Streptococcus agalactiae; Streptococcus mitis; Streptococcus mutans; Streptococcus salavarius; Streptococcus sanguis; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Propionibacterium acnes; and Haemophilis influenzae.

In certain embodiments, the hyperimmunized egg product is formulated as a microparticle or nanoparticle. In certain embodiments, the hyperimmunized egg product is encapsulated. In certain embodiments, the hyperimmunized egg product further comprises a therapeutically effective amount of an IgY antibody to Eimeria tenella 3-1E profilin. In certain embodiments, the composition further comprises Eimeria tenella 3-1E profilin. In certain embodiments, the genetic vaccine further comprises DNA encoding Eimeria tenella 3-1E profilin. In certain embodiments, the hyperimmunized egg product comprises at least 20% more by weight of an IgY antibody specific to Eimeria tenella 3-1E profilin relative to a control egg product obtained from an egg-producing animal that is not hyperimmunized. In certain embodiments, the antibody is an IgY antibody. In certain embodiments, the hyperimmunized egg product comprises: (a) a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody to an antigen selected from the group consisting of Clostridium perfringens α-toxin, Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu), Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin, and Clostridium perfringens Pyruvate: Ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFO); and (b) a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody to an antigen selected from the group consisting of Eimeria tenella elongation factor 1-alpha and Eimeria tenella 3-1E profilin.

In certain embodiments, the composition comprises: (a) an antigenic protein selected from the group consisting of Clostridium perfringens α-toxin, Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu), Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin, and Clostridium perfringens Pyruvate: Ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFO); and (b) an antigenic protein selected from the group consisting of Eimeria tenella elongation factor 1-alpha and Eimeria tenella 3-1E profilin. In certain embodiments, the hyperimmunized egg product is an aqueous concentrate. In certain embodiments, the hyperimmunized egg product is administered to the avian by addition to drinking water. In certain embodiments, the hyperimmunized egg product is an egg powder. In certain embodiments, the hyperimmunized egg product is administered to the avian by addition to feed.

In certain aspects the invention relates to a hyperimmunized egg produced by an animal that has been hyperimmunized with at least one antigen selected from the group consisting of Clostridium perfringens α-toxin, Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu), Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin, Clostridium perfringens Pyruvate: Ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFO), and Eimeria tenella elongation factor 1-alpha, wherein the hyperimmunized egg comprises an increased level of an antibody to said at least one antigen relative to an egg from an animal that has not been hyperimmunized. In certain embodiments, the level of the antibody in the hyperimmunized egg is increased by at least 20% relative to the egg from the animal that has not been hyperimmunized. In certain embodiments, the level of antibodies to at least two of the antigens is increased relative to the egg from the animal that has not been hyperimmunized. In certain embodiments, the level of antibodies to Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu) and Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin in the hyperimmunized egg product is increased relative to the egg from the animal that has not been hyperimmunized. In certain embodiments, the hyperimmunized animal has also been hyperimmunized with Eimeria tenella 3-1E profilin. In certain embodiments, the level of antibodies to Eimeria tenella 3-1E profilin in the hyperimmunized egg is increased relative to the egg from the animal that has not been hyperimmunized.

In certain embodiments, the hyperimmunized animal has also been hyperimmunized with at least one antigenic bacterium selected from the group consisting of Escherichia coli; Escherichia coli (Aerobacter); Klebsiella pneumoniae; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Salmonella typhimurium; Salmonella dysenteriae; Salmonella enteriditis; Salmonella epidermis; Salmonella simulans; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 1; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 3; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 5; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 8; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 12; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 14; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 18; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 22; Pseudomonas vulgaris; Streptococcus agalactiae; Streptococcus mitis; Streptococcus mutans; Streptococcus salavarius; Streptococcus sanguis; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Propionibacterium acnes; and Haemophilis influenzae. In certain embodiments, the hyperimmunized animal has been hyperimmunized with each of the following antigenic bacteria: Escherichia coli; Escherichia coli (Aerobacter); Klebsiella pneumoniae; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Salmonella typhimurium; Salmonella dysenteriae; Salmonella enteriditis; Salmonella epidermis; Salmonella simulans; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 1; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 3; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 5; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 8; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 12; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 14; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 18; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 22; Pseudomonas vulgaris; Streptococcus agalactiae; Streptococcus mitis; Streptococcus mutans; Streptococcus salavarius; Streptococcus sanguis; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Propionibacterium acnes; and Haemophilis influenzae.

In certain embodiments, the hyperimmunized egg comprises an increased level of an antibody to at least one antigenic bacterium selected from the group consisting of Escherichia coli; Escherichia coli (Aerobacter); Klebsiella pneumoniae; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Salmonella typhimurium; Salmonella dysenteriae; Salmonella enteriditis; Salmonella epidermis; Salmonella simulans; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 1; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 3; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 5; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 8; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 12; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 14; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 18; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 22; Pseudomonas vulgaris; Streptococcus agalactiae; Streptococcus mitis; Streptococcus mutans; Streptococcus salavarius; Streptococcus sanguis; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Propionibacterium acnes; and Haemophilis influenzae, relative to the egg product from the egg-producing animal that has not been hyperimmunized.

In certain aspects the invention relates to a hyperimmunized egg product obtained from a hyperimmunized egg described herein. In certain embodiments, the hyperimmunized egg product is formulated as a microparticle or nanoparticle. In certain embodiments, the hyperimmunized egg product is encapsulated. In certain embodiments, the hyperimmunized egg product is an aqueous concentrate. In certain embodiments, the hyperimmunized egg product is an egg powder. In certain embodiments, the egg powder is produced by spray-drying.

In certain aspects the invention relates to an animal feed comprising a hyperimmunized egg product described herein. In certain embodiments of the hyperimmunized eggs and hyperimmunized egg products described herein, the antibody is an IgY antibody. In certain embodiments, the egg-producing animal is an avian. In certain embodiments, the egg-producing animal is selected from the group consisting of fowl, turkey, duck, goose, chicken, pheasant, quail, pigeon and ostrich. In certain embodiments, the hyperimmunized egg product is an aqueous solution.

In some aspects, the present disclosure is directed to a method for preventing or treating necrotic enteritis in an avian in need thereof, comprising administering to the avian a therapeutically effective amount of a hyperimmunized egg product obtained from an egg-producing animal, thereby preventing or treating the necrotic enteritis in the subject, wherein the hyperimmunized egg product comprises a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody to an antigen selected from the group consisting of Clostridium perfringens α-toxin, Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu), Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin, Clostridium perfringens Pyruvate: Ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFO), and Eimeria tenella elongation factor 1-alpha.

The present disclosure is further directed to the above method, wherein the hyperimmunized egg product comprises at least 20% more by weight of an IgY antibody specific to an antigen selected from the group consisting of Clostridium perfringens α-toxin, Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu), Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin, Clostridium perfringens Pyruvate: Ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFO), and Eimeria tenella elongation factor 1-alpha relative to a control egg product obtained from an egg-producing animal that is not hyperimmunized.

The present disclosure is also directed to the above method, wherein the hyperimmunized egg product comprises therapeutically effective amounts of at least two antibodies, each of which is specific to a different antigen selected from the group consisting of Clostridium perfringens α-toxin, Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu), Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin, Clostridium perfringens Pyruvate: Ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFO), Eimeria tenella elongation factor 1-alpha, and Eimeria tenella 3-1E profilin.

The present disclosure is further directed to the above method, wherein the hyperimmunized egg product comprises a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody to Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu), and a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody to Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin.

The present disclosure is further directed to the above method, wherein the hyperimmunized egg product further comprises a therapeutically effective amount of an IgY antibody to Eimeria tenella 3-1E profilin.

Finally, the present disclosure is directed to the above method, wherein the hyperimmunized egg product comprises (a) a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody to an antigen selected from the group consisting of Clostridium perfringens α-toxin, Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu), Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin, and Clostridium perfringens Pyruvate: Ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFO); and (b) a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody to an antigen selected from the group consisting of Eimeria tenella elongation factor 1-alpha and Eimeria tenella 3-1E profilin.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows lesion scores (mean±SEM) 2 days post-Clostridium perfringens infection in a subclinical model of necrotic enteritis infection (E. maxima infection at 15 days of age and Clostridium perfringens infection at 19 days of age). Birds were fed feed supplemented with different egg powders at 0.5% level from 6 days before the day of Eimeria infection. Birds that received standard diet with no egg powder supplementation served as non-supplemented and uninfected controls. Birds that received standard diet with no egg powder supplementation and given NE infection served as nonsupplemented and infected controls. All the birds were given a low protein diet to 19 days of age and switched to a high protein diet to facilitate development of NE. Values with no common letter differ significantly (P≤0.05). UC=untreated control; IC=infected control; Vir=virginiamycin; NE-B=Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu; NE-C=Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin; Cocci-E=Eimeria tenella elongation factor 1-alpha; Cocci-P=Eimeria tenella 3-1E profilin.

FIG. 2 shows body weight gain (mean±SEM) from Day 0 (day of E. maxima infection) to Day 6 (2 days post-Clostridium perfringens infection) in a subclinical model of NE infection. E. maxima infection was performed at 15 days of age and Clostridium perfringens infection at 19 days of age. Birds were fed feed supplemented with different egg powders at 0.5% level from 6 days before Eimeria infection. Birds that received standard diet with no egg powder supplementation served as non-supplemented and uninfected controls. Birds that received standard diet with no egg powder supplementation and given necrotic enteritis infection served as nonsupplemented and infected controls. All the birds were given a low protein diet to 19 days of age and switched to a high protein diet to facilitate development of necrotic enteritis. Values with no common letter differ significantly (P≤0.05). UC=untreated control; IC=infected control; Vir=virginiamycin; NE-B=Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu; NE-C=Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin; Cocci-E=Eimeria tenella elongation factor 1-alpha; Cocci-P=Eimeria tenella 3-1E profilin.

FIG. 3 shows the difference in body weight gain (mean±SEM) from infected control from Day 0 (day of E. maxima infection) to Day 6 (2 days post-Clostridium perfringens infection) in a subclinical model of necrotic enteritis infection. E. maxima infection was performed at 15 days of age and Clostridium perfringens infection at 19 days of age. Birds were fed feed supplemented with different egg powders at 0.5% level from 6 days before Eimeria infection. Birds that received standard diet with no egg powder supplementation served as non-supplemented and uninfected controls. Birds that received standard diet with no egg powder supplementation and given NE infection served as non-supplemented and infected controls. All the birds were given a low protein diet to 19 days of age and switched to a high protein diet to facilitate development of NE. Values with no common letter differ significantly (P≤0.05). IC=infected control; Vir=virginiamycin; NE-B=Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu; NE-C=Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin; Cocci-E=Eimeria tenella elongation factor 1-alpha; Cocci-P=Eimeria tenella 3-1E profilin.

FIG. 4 shows body weight gain (mean±SEM) from Day 0 (day of E. maxima infection) to Day 11 (7 days post-Clostridium perfringens infection) in a subclinical model of necrotic enteritis infection. E. maxima infection was performed at 15 days of age and Clostridium perfringens infection at 19 days of age. Birds were fed feed supplemented with different egg powders at 0.5% level from 6 days before Eimeria infection. Birds that received standard diet with no egg powder supplementation served as non-supplemented and uninfected controls. Birds that received standard diet with no egg powder supplementation and given necrotic enteritis infection served as nonsupplemented and infected controls. All the birds were given a low protein diet to 19 days of age and switched to a high protein diet to facilitate development of NE. Values with no common letter differ significantly (P≤0.05). UC=untreated control; IC=infected control; Vir=virginiamycin; NE-B=Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu; NE-C=Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin; Cocci-E=Eimeria tenella elongation factor 1-alpha; Cocci-P=Eimeria tenella 3-1E profilin.

FIG. 5 shows the difference in body weight gain (mean±SEM) from infected control from Day 0 (day of E. maxima infection) to Day 11 (7 days post-Clostridium perfringens infection) in a subclinical model of necrotic enteritis infection. E. maxima infection was performed at 15 days of age and Clostridium perfringens infection at 19 days of age. Birds were fed feed supplemented with different egg powders at 0.5% level from 6 days before Eimeria infection. Birds that received standard diet with no egg powder supplementation served as non-supplemented and uninfected controls. Birds that received standard diet with no egg powder supplementation and given necrotic enteritis infection served as non-supplemented and infected controls. All the birds were given a low protein diet to 19 days of age and switched to a high protein diet to facilitate development of necrotic enteritis. Values with no common letter differ significantly (P≤0.05). IC=infected control; Vir=virginiamycin; NE-B=Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu; NE-C=Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin; Cocci-E=Eimeria tenella elongation factor 1-alpha; Cocci-P=Eimeria tenella 3-1E profilin.

FIG. 6 shows lesion scores (mean±SEM) 2 days post-Clostridium perfringens infection in a subclinical model of necrotic enteritis infection (E. maxima infection at 15 days of age and Clostridium perfringens infection at 19 days of age). Birds were fed feed supplemented with different egg powders at 0.1% level from 7 days before the day of Eimeria infection. Birds that received standard diet with no egg powder supplementation served as non-supplemented and uninfected controls. Birds that received standard diet with no egg powder supplementation and given NE infection served as non-supplemented and infected controls. All the birds were given a low protein diet to 19 days of age and switched to a high protein diet to facilitate development of NE. Values with no common letter differ significantly (P≤0.05). UC=untreated control; IC=infected control; NE-B=Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu; NE-C=Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin; Cocci-E=Eimeria tenella elongation factor 1-alpha; Cocci-P=Eimeria tenella 3-1E profilin.

FIG. 7 shows lesion scores (mean±SEM) 2 days post-Clostridium perfringens infection in a clinical model of necrotic enteritis infection (E. maxima infection at 15 days of age and Clostridium perfringens infection at 19 days of age). Birds were fed feed supplemented with different egg powders at 0.1% level from 7 days before the day of Eimeria infection. Birds that received standard diet with no egg powder supplementation served as non-supplemented and uninfected controls. Birds that received standard diet with no egg powder supplementation and given NE infection served as non-supplemented and infected controls. All the birds were given a low protein diet to 19 days of age and switched to a high protein diet to facilitate development of NE. Values with no common letter differ significantly (P≤0.05). UC=untreated control; IC=infected control; NE-B=Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu; NE-C=Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin; Cocci-E=Eimeria tenella elongation factor 1-alpha; Cocci-P=Eimeria tenella 3-1E profilin.

FIG. 8 shows body weight gain (mean±SEM) from Day 0 (day of E. maxima infection) to Day 6 (2 days post-Clostridium perfringens infection) in a subclinical model of necrotic enteritis infection. E. maxima infection was performed at 15 days of age and Clostridium perfringens infection at 19 days of age. Birds were fed feed supplemented with different egg powders at 0.1% level from 7 days before Eimeria infection. Birds that received standard diet with no egg powder supplementation served as non-supplemented and uninfected controls. Birds that received standard diet with no egg powder supplementation and given necrotic enteritis infection served as non-supplemented and infected controls. All the birds were given a low protein diet to 19 days of age and switched to a high protein diet to facilitate development of necrotic enteritis. Values with no common letter differ significantly (P≤0.05). UC=untreated control; IC=infected control; NE-B=Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu; NE-C=Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin; Cocci-E=Eimeria tenella elongation factor 1-alpha; Cocci-P=Eimeria tenella 3-1E profilin.

FIG. 9 shows the difference in body weight gain (mean±SEM) from Day 0 (day of E. maxima infection) to Day 6 (2 days post-Clostridium perfringens infection) in a subclinical model of necrotic enteritis infection (E. maxima infection at 15 days of age and Clostridium perfringens infection at 19 days of age). Birds were fed feed supplemented with different egg powders at 0.1% level from 7 days before Eimeria infection. Birds that received standard diet with no egg powder supplementation served as non-supplemented and uninfected controls. Birds that received standard diet with no egg powder supplementation and given necrotic enteritis infection served as non-supplemented and infected controls. All the birds were given a low protein diet to 19 days of age and switched to a high protein diet to facilitate development of necrotic enteritis. Values with no common letter differ significantly (P≤0.05). UC=untreated control; IC=infected control; NE-B=Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu; NE-C=Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin; Cocci-E=Eimeria tenella elongation factor 1-alpha; Cocci-P=Eimeria tenella 3-1E profilin.

FIG. 10 shows body weight gain (mean±SEM) from Day 0 (day of E. maxima infection) to Day 6 (2 days post-Clostridium perfringens infection) in a clinical model of necrotic enteritis infection. E. maxima infection was performed at 15 days of age and Clostridium perfringens infection at 19 days of age. Birds were fed feed supplemented with different egg powders at 0.1% level from 7 days before Eimeria infection. Birds that received standard diet with no egg powder supplementation served as non-supplemented and uninfected controls. Birds that received standard diet with no egg powder supplementation and given necrotic enteritis infection served as non-supplemented and infected controls. All the birds were given a low protein diet to 19 days of age and switched to a high protein diet to facilitate development of necrotic enteritis. Values with no common letter differ significantly (P≤0.05). UC=untreated control; IC=infected control; NE-B=Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu; NE-C=Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin; Cocci-E=Eimeria tenella elongation factor 1-alpha; Cocci-P=Eimeria tenella 3-1E profilin.

FIG. 11 shows the difference in body weight gain (mean±SEM) from infected control from Day 0 (day of E. maxima infection) to Day 6 (2 days post-Clostridium perfringens infection) in a clinical model of necrotic enteritis infection. E. maxima infection was performed at 15 days of age and Clostridium perfringens infection at 19 days of age. Birds were fed feed supplemented with different egg powders at 0.1% level from 7 days before Eimeria infection. Birds that received standard diet with no egg powder supplementation served as non-supplemented and uninfected controls. Birds that received standard diet with no egg powder supplementation and given necrotic enteritis infection served as non-supplemented and infected controls. All the birds were given a low protein diet to 19 days of age and switched to a high protein diet to facilitate development of NE. Values with no common letter differ significantly (P≤0.05). IC=infected control; NE-B=Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu; NE-C=Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin; Cocci-E=Eimeria tenella elongation factor 1-alpha; Cocci-P=Eimeria tenella 3-1E profilin.

FIG. 12 shows body weight gain (mean±SEM) from Day 0 (day of E. maxima infection) to Day 11 (7 days post-Clostridium perfringens infection) in a subclinical model of necrotic enteritis infection. E. maxima infection was performed at 15 days of age and Clostridium perfringens infection at 19 days of age. Birds were fed feed supplemented with different egg powders at 0.1% level from 7 days before Eimeria infection. Birds that received standard diet with no egg powder supplementation served as non-supplemented and uninfected controls. Birds that received standard diet with no egg powder supplementation and given necrotic enteritis infection served as non-supplemented and infected controls. All the birds were given a low protein diet to 19 days of age and switched to a high protein diet to facilitate development of NE. Values with no common letter differ significantly (P≤0.05). UC=untreated control; IC=infected control; NE-B=Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu; NE-C=Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin; Cocci-E=Eimeria tenella elongation factor 1-alpha; Cocci-P=Eimeria tenella 3-1E profilin.

FIG. 13 shows the difference in body weight gain (mean±SEM) from infected control from Day 0 (day of E. maxima infection) to Day 11 (7 days post-Clostridium perfringens infection) in a subclinical model of necrotic enteritis infection. E. maxima infection was performed at 15 days of age and Clostridium perfringens infection at 19 days of age. Birds were fed feed supplemented with different egg powders at 0.1% level from 7 days before Eimeria infection. Birds that received standard diet with no egg powder supplementation served as non-supplemented and uninfected controls. Birds that received standard diet with no egg powder supplementation and given necrotic enteritis infection served as non-supplemented and infected controls. All the birds were given a low protein diet to 19 days of age and switched to a high protein diet to facilitate development of necrotic enteritis. Values with no common letter differ significantly (P≤0.05). IC=infected control; NE-B=Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu; NE-C=Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin; Cocci-E=Eimeria tenella elongation factor 1-alpha; Cocci-P=Eimeria tenella 3-1E profilin.

FIG. 14 shows body weight gain (mean±SEM) from Day 0 (day of E. maxima infection) to Day 11 (7 days post-Clostridium perfringens infection) in a clinical model of necrotic enteritis infection. E. maxima infection was performed at 15 days of age and Clostridium perfringens infection at 19 days of age. Birds were fed feed supplemented with different egg powders at 0.1% level from 7 days before Eimeria infection. Birds that received standard diet with no egg powder supplementation served as non-supplemented and uninfected controls. Birds that received standard diet with no egg powder supplementation and given necrotic enteritis infection served as non-supplemented and infected controls. All the birds were given a low protein diet to 19 days of age and switched to a high protein diet to facilitate development of NE. Values with no common letter differ significantly (P≤0.05). UC=untreated control; IC=infected control; NE-B=Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu; NE-C=Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin; Cocci-E=Eimeria tenella elongation factor 1-alpha; Cocci-P=Eimeria tenella 3-1E profilin.

FIG. 15 shows the difference in body weight gain (mean±SEM) from infected control from Day 0 (day of E. maxima infection) to Day 11 (7 days post-Clostridium perfringens infection) in a subclinical model of necrotic enteritis infection. E. maxima infection was performed at 15 days of age and Clostridium perfringens infection at 19 days of age. Birds were fed feed supplemented with different egg powders at 0.1% level from 7 days before Eimeria infection. Birds that received standard diet with no egg powder supplementation served as non-supplemented and uninfected controls. Birds that received standard diet with no egg powder supplementation and given necrotic enteritis infection served as non-supplemented and infected controls. All the birds were given a low protein diet to 19 days of age and switched to a high protein diet to facilitate development of necrotic enteritis. Values with no common letter differ significantly (P≤0.05). IC=infected control; NE-B=Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu; NE-C=Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin; Cocci-E=Eimeria tenella elongation factor 1-alpha; Cocci-P=Eimeria tenella 3-1E profilin.

FIG. 16 shows specific IgY titers (mean OD₄₅₀) in eggs collected from hens hyperimmunized with various antigens of Clostridium perfringens (CP). Statistical values were considered with P<0.05. ag CP-A=Clostridium perfringens α-toxin; ag CP-E=Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu; ag CP-N=Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin; ag CP-P=Clostridium perfringens Pyruvate: Ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFO).

FIG. 17 shows antibody (IgY) titers (mean OD₄₅₀) in egg powders tested against the antigens with which they were raised and compared to that of control egg powder from unimmunized hens by ELISA. Egg powders were reconstituted in sterile PBS at 1 mg/mL and filtered through a 0.22 μm membrane filter. Serially diluted samples were used in ELISA. ag CP-A=Clostridium perfringens α-toxin; ag CP-E=Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu; ag CP-N=Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin; ag CP-P=Clostridium perfringens Pyruvate: Ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFO).

FIG. 18 shows the effect of dietary egg powder IgY supplementation on body weight gain following necrotic enteritis challenge in broilers. Chickens were fed with a non-supplemented diet (control, NE+None) or a diet supplemented with egg powder (EP) at 1% level from 17 days of age to the end of the experimental period. At 17 d post-hatch, birds were uninfected (control) or orally infected with 1×10⁴ sporulated oocysts of E. maxima followed by oral inoculation with 1×10⁹ CFU of Clostridium perfringens at 21 days post-hatch (all NE groups). Body weights were measured at d 17 and d 30 (11 d interval) and weight gains were calculated. Values are means with their standard errors represented by vertical bars (n=12). Treatment means with no common letter differ significantly (P≤0.05). EPA=Clostridium perfringens α-toxin; EPB=Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu; EPC=Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin; EPD=Clostridium perfringens Pyruvate: Ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFO); EPE=EPA+EPB+EPC+EPD; EPcon=egg powder from uninfected birds.

FIG. 19 shows the effect of dietary egg powder IgY supplementation on lesion scores following necrotic enteritis challenge in broilers. Chickens were fed with a non-supplemented diet (control, NE+None) or a diet supplemented with egg powder (EP) at 1% level from 17 days of age to the end of the experimental period. At 17 d post-hatch, birds were uninfected (control) or orally infected with 1×104 sporulated oocysts of E. maxima followed by oral inoculation with 1×10⁹ CFU of Clostridium perfringens at 21 days post-hatch (all necrotic enteritis groups). Intestinal sections were collected on d 23 (2 d post-Clostridium perfringens infection) and scored for necrotic enteritis lesions on a scale of 0 (none) to 4 (high) in a blind fashioned way by three independent observers. Values are means with their standard errors represented by vertical bars (n=3). Treatment means with no common letter differ significantly (P≤0.05). EPA=Clostridium perfringens α-toxin; EPB=Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu; EPC=Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin; EPD=Clostridium perfringens Pyruvate: Ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFO); EPE=EPA+EPB+EPC+EPD; EPcon=egg powder from uninfected birds.

FIG. 20 shows the effect of dietary egg powder IgY supplementation on body weight gain following NE challenge in broilers. Chickens were fed with a non-supplemented diet (control, NE+None) or a diet supplemented with egg powder from uninfected birds (EPcon), from birds infected with Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu (EPB), or from birds infected with Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin (EPC) at 1% level from 17 days of age to the end of the experimental period. At 17 d post-hatch, birds were uninfected (control) or orally infected with 1×104 sporulated oocysts of E. maxima followed by oral inoculation with 1×10⁹ CFU of Clostridium perfringens at 21 days post-hatch (all NE groups). Body weights were measured at d 17 and d 30 (11 d interval) and weight gains were calculated. Values are means with their standard errors represented by vertical bars (n=10). Treatment means with no common letter differ significantly (P≤0.05).

FIG. 21 shows the effect of dietary egg powder IgY supplementation on the levels of serum ca-toxin and NetB toxin. Chickens were fed with a non-supplemented diet (control, NE+None) or a diet supplemented with egg powder from uninfected birds (EPcon), from birds infected with Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu (EPB), or from birds infected with Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin (EPC) at 1% level from 17 days of age to the end of the experimental period. At 17 d post-hatch, birds were uninfected (control) or orally infected with 1×10⁴ sporulated oocysts of E. maxima followed by oral inoculation with 1×10⁹ CFU of Clostridium perfringens at 21 days post-hatch (all NE groups). Sera samples were collected 6 hr after Clostridium perfringens infection and used to measure toxin levels by ELISA. Values are means with their standard errors represented by vertical bars (n=3). Treatment means with no common letter differ significantly (P≤0.05).

FIG. 22 shows toxin neutralization activity of hyperimmune IgY raised against Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin (agCP-N) in laying hens. IgY from control hens and hyperimmunized hens were incubated with recombinant NetB toxin for 1 hr at RT. IgY-toxin mixtures and toxin alone were added to LMH cells (grown in 96 well microtiter plates) in triplicate wells and incubated for 4 hrs at 37° C. and 5% CO2. % cytotoxicity was measured using a CCK-8 kit (Dojindo).

FIG. 23 shows growth curves of Clostridium perfringens Del-1 strain in the presence of 1 mg/mL conc. of IgY antibodies from unimmunized hens or hens hyperimmunized with Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu (agCP-E).

FIG. 24 shows antigen-specific IgY Ab titers against 3 different recombinant Eimeria proteins, profilin, MIC2, and Gam82. An ELISA plate was coated with one of recombinant profilin, MIC2, or Gam82 protein (0.2 ug/well) and incubated overnight. Each egg powder collected from the eggs of hens immunized with PBS which is used for protein solvent, profilin, MIC2, or Gam82 protein and harvested at 0-2, 2-4, and 4-8 weeks post immunization was solubilized in PBS buffer (1 mg/10 ml) and used at 25 ug/well on the 96 well ELISA plate coated with profilin, MIC2, or Gam82 protein. Antigen-specific IgY Ab titers were measured against 3 different recombinant Eimeria proteins, profilin, MIC2, and Gam82 at 450 nm using ELISA plate reader.

FIG. 25 shows the effect of oral hyperimmune IgY antibodies against profilin, MIC2, and Gam82 on body weight of birds infected with E. maxima. One-day-old broiler chickens were fed a standard diet supplemented with the Control without any egg powder, 0.2% and 0.5% egg powders (C0.2, C0.5) from PBS-treated hens, 0.2% and 0.5% egg powders (P0.2, P0.5) from profilin-treated hens, 0.2% and 0.5% egg powders (M0.2, M0.5) from MIC2-treated hens, or 0.2% and 0.5% egg powders (G0.2, G0.5) (v/v) from Gam82-treated hens. The chickens were uninfected (Control) or were orally infected with 5×10³ sporulated oocysts of E. maxima at 7 days post-hatch, and body weight at 10 days post infection were measured. Each bar represents the mean±SEM values (N=10). †, p<0.05 compared with the uninfected normal control; *, p<0.05 compared with the infected control according to the T-test.

FIG. 26 shows the effect of oral hyperimmune IgY antibodies on oocysts shedding in birds infected with E. maxima. One-day-old broiler chickens were fed a standard diet supplemented with the Control without any egg powder, 0.2% and 0.5% egg powders (C0.2, C0.5) from PBS-treated hens, 0.2% and 0.5% egg powders (P0.2, P0.5) from profilin-treated hens, 0.2% and 0.5% egg powders (M0.2, M0.5) from MIC2-treated hens, or 0.2% and 0.5% egg powders (G0.2, G0.5) (v/v) from Gam82-treated hens. The chickens were uninfected (Control) or were orally infected with 5×10³ sporulated oocysts of E. maxima at 7 days post-hatch, and fecal oocyst shedding between 5 and 10 dpi were measured. Each bar represents the mean±SEM values (N=10). *, p<0.05 compared with the infected control according to the T-test.

FIG. 27 shows the effect of oral hyperimmune IgY antibodies on lesion score in birds infected with E. maxima. One-day-old broiler chickens were fed a standard diet supplemented with the Control without any egg powder, 0.2% and 0.5% egg powders (C0.2, C0.5) from PBS-treated hens, 0.2% and 0.5% egg powders (P0.2, P0.5) from profilin-treated hens, 0.2% and 0.5% egg powders (M0.2, M0.5) from MIC2-treated hens, or 0.2% and 0.5% egg powders (G0.2, G0.5) (v/v) from Gam82-treated hens. The chickens were uninfected (Control) or were orally infected with 5×10³ sporulated oocysts of E. maxima at 7 days post-hatch, and gut lesion scores were determined at 7 days post infection. Each bar represents the mean±SEM values (N=5). *, p<0.05 compared with the infected control according to the T-test.

FIG. 28 shows titers of IgY antibodies to antigen B (EF-Tau), C (NetB), Co1 (EF1-a) or Co2 (3-1E) in liquid egg samples from hyperimmunized (treatment Groups 1-6) and non-hyperimmunized (control, specific pathogen free (SPF) hens. Hens in treatment groups 1-3 were hyperimmunized with antigens B, C, Co1 and Co2, and hens in treatment groups 4-6 were hyperimmunized with antigens B, C, Co1, Co2 and ET-50 as described in Example 9. IgY antibody titers were determined in serial dilutions of the samples by ELISA. pAb samples were purified IgY samples containing IgY antibodies to the antigen of interest; nc samples were a negative control for the ELISA assay containing only buffer. Eggs for each hyperimmunized treatment group were collected over a ten day period and pooled on three different days, designated as Egg Pool 1, Egg Pool 2, and Egg Pool 3.

FIG. 29 shows titers of IgY antibodies to antigen B (EF-Tau), C (NetB), Co1 (EF1-a) or Co2 (3-1E) in spray dried egg samples from hyperimmunized (treatment Groups 1-6) and non-hyperimmunized (control, specific pathogen free (SPF) hens. Hens in treatment groups 1-2 were hyperimmunized with antigens B, C, Co1 and Co2, and hens in treatment groups 3-4 were hyperimmunized with antigens B, C, Co1, Co2 and ET-50 as described in Example 9. IgY antibody titers were determined in serial dilutions of the samples by ELISA. pAb samples were purified IgY samples containing IgY antibodies to the antigen of interest; nc samples were a negative control for the ELISA assay containing only buffer. Eggs for each hyperimmunized treatment group were collected over a ten day period and pooled on two different days, designated as Egg Pool 1 and Egg Pool 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The term “hyperimmunization” means exposure to one or more antigens such that an immune response is elevated and maintained above the natural unexposed state.

A “hyperimmune state” refers to an elevated immune response in an egg producing animal that has been hyperimmunized.

The term “egg” as used herein refers to a whole egg (table, hyperimmunized or otherwise). The term “egg product” as used herein refers to a whole egg or any product or fraction obtained from a whole egg. In a particular embodiment, the egg product is an egg yolk, for example, an egg yolk powder. In another embodiment, the egg product is an egg white, for example, an egg white powder. In another embodiment, the egg product is obtained from a whole egg, for example, a whole egg powder (e.g. a spray-dried whole egg powder).

The term “control egg” refers to an egg obtained from an egg-producing that is not maintained in a hyperimmunized state, i.e. an animal that has not been hyperimmunized. The term “control egg product” refers to a control egg or an egg product obtained from a control egg.

The term “hyperimmunized egg” refers to a whole egg obtained from an egg-producing animal maintained in a hyperimmune state, i.e. an egg-producing animal that has been hyperimmunized. The term “hyperimmunized egg product” refers to a hyperimmunized egg or any product obtained from a hyperimmunized egg.

In certain embodiments, the hyperimmunized egg product is a concentrate. As used herein the term “concentrate” refers to a hyperimmunized egg product that is at least partially purified, such that the concentration of antibodies in the concentrate is greater than the concentration of antibodies in a hyperimmunized egg.

In some embodiments, the hyperimmunized egg product is an aqueous IgY concentrate. The term “aqueous IgY concentrate” as used herein refers to an aqueous solution comprising IgY antibodies isolated from a hyperimmunized egg, wherein the concentration of IgY antibodies in the aqueous solution is higher than the concentration of antibodies in the hyperimmunized egg.

The term “egg powder” refers to a whole egg that has been dried. In some embodiments, the egg powder is spray-dried.

The term “egg-producing animal” means any oviparous animal, and includes any animal that lays an egg, such as avians, fish and reptiles.

The term “avian” refers to an animal that is a member of the class Aves. Avians include, but are not limited to, chickens, turkeys, geese, ducks, pheasants, quail, pigeons and ostriches.

The term “supranormal levels” means levels in excess of those found in eggs of egg-producing animals that are not hyperimmunized. For example, supranormal levels of an antibody to a particular antigen are levels of the antibody in excess of those found in eggs of egg-producing animals that are not hyperimmunized with the particular antigen.

The term “bioengineered antigen” refers to an antigen which is obtained through the process of gene cloning technologies and genetic manipulation which allow the preparation of proteins that have antigenic properties.

The term “genetic vaccine” refers to a nucleic acid vaccine which is generally produced by recombinant technologies and which may elicit an immune response.

The term “administer” means any method of providing a subject with a substance, including orally, intranasally, parenterally (intravenously, intramuscularly, or subcutaneously), rectally, topically or intraocularly.

The term “antigen” refers to a substance that is able to induce a humoral antibody and/or cell-mediated immune response rather than immunological tolerance. The term signifies the ability to stimulate an immune response as well as react with the products of it, e.g., an antibody.

In certain embodiments the antigen is an isolated antigen, i.e. an antigen that is at least partially purified from the cell in which it was produced.

As used herein, “nanoparticle” refers to a particle or a structure in the nanometer (nm) range, typically from about 1 to about 1000 nm in diameter.

As used herein, a “microparticle” is a particle of a relatively small size, but not necessarily in the micron size range; the term is used in reference to particles of sizes that can be, for example 1 to about 1000 microns. The term “microparticle” encompasses microspheres, microcapsules and microparticles, unless specified otherwise. A microparticle may be of composite construction and is not necessarily a pure substance; it may be spherical or any other shape.

As used herein, an “antibody” is a protein that includes at least one complementary determining region that binds to a specific target antigen, e.g. antigen A, B, C, D, Co1, Co2, H, or ET-50 disclosed herein. For example, an antibody can include a heavy (H) chain variable region (abbreviated herein as VH), and a light (L) chain variable region (abbreviated herein as VL). In another example, an antibody includes two heavy (H) chain variable regions and two light (L) chain variable regions. In a particular embodiment, the antibody is a polyclonal antibody. The term “polyclonal antibody”, as used herein, refers to a population of antibody molecules that that are capable of immunoreacting with different epitopes on a particular antigen. In a particular embodiment, the antibody is an IgY antibody.

Necrotic Enteritis

Necrotic enteritis (NE), caused by Clostridium perfringens, is a widespread infectious disease causing great economic impairment to the poultry industry worldwide. Clostridium perfringens is a Gram-positive anaerobic bacterium found in soil, chicken litter, and at low levels in the intestine of healthy birds. The species, Clostridium perfringens, can be subdivided into subspecies. Five subspecies have been described. All subspecies produce several toxins, both major and minor toxins. A range of minor toxins is produced by all C. perfringens types. One or more of these various toxins can play a role in C. perfringens related pathogenesis.

C. perfringens-associated necrotic enteritis usually occurs in broiler chickens at 2-6 weeks of age and may present as acute clinical disease or subclinical infection. Acute infections are characterized by sudden onset of mortality with very few clinical signs. Subclinical necrotic enteritis causes reduced growth, increased feed conversion ratio, which were estimated to be 12% and 10.9% respectively compared to healthy birds, and contributes to the major portion of economic losses caused by necrotic enteritis (Skinner et al., 2010, Avian Dis. 54:1237-1240). A variety of predisposing factors, such as diets containing wheat and barley, poorly digestible protein, and coccidial co-infection, are required for Clostridium perfringens to multiply and infect poultry (Van Immerseel et al., 2004, Avian Pathol 33: 537-549; and Timbermont et al., 2009, Comp Immunol Microbiol 32: 503-512).

Hyperimmunized Egg Product

Egg-producing animals produce antibodies in blood and eggs that are specific to particular immunogens. For example, various genera of the class Aves, such as chickens (Gallus domesticus), turkeys, and ducks produce antibodies against antigens associated with avian diseases. LeBacq-Verheyden et al. (Immunology 27:683 (1974)) and Leslie, G. A., et al. (J. Med. 130:1337 (1969)), have quantitatively analyzed immunoglobulins of the chicken. Polson, A., et al. (Immunological Communications 9:495-514 (1980)) immunized hens against several proteins and natural mixtures of proteins, and detected IgY antibodies in the yolks of the eggs. Fertel, R., et al. (Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 102:1028-1033 (1981)) immunized hens against prostaglandins and detected antibodies in the egg yolk. Jensenius et al. (Journal of Immunological Methods 46:63-68 (1981)) provide a method of isolating egg yolk IgG for use in immunodiagnostics. Polson et al. (Immunological Communications 9:475-493 (1980)) describe antibodies isolated from the yolk of hens that were immunized with a variety of plant viruses.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,748,018 discloses a method of passive immunization of a mammal that comprises parenterally administering purified antibody obtained from the eggs of an avian that has been immunized against the corresponding antigen, and wherein the mammal has acquired immunity to the eggs.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,772,999, assigned to DCV-Biologics, discloses a method of preventing, countering or reducing chronic gastrointestinal disorders or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug-induced (NSAID-induced) gastrointestinal damage in a subject by administering hyperimmunized egg and/or milk or fractions thereof to the subject.

An immunized egg is an egg which comes from an avian which has been immunized with, for example, a specific antigen or mixture of antigens. A hyperimmunized egg is an egg which comes from an avian which has been brought to a specific state of immunization by means of, for example, periodic booster administrations of antigens. Hyperimmunized eggs, no matter the type of antigen their avian maker has been administered, have been found to have various beneficial factors, including, as mentioned above, the treatment of chronic gastrointestinal disorders, NSAID-induced gastrointestinal damage (see U.S. Pat. No. 5,772,999) and anti-inflammatory effects due to the presence of an anti-inflammatory composition (see U.S. Application Publication No. US 2004/0156857).

Control eggs, i.e. from egg producing animals that are not maintained in a hyperimmune state, may also contain antibodies against C. perfringens or E. tenella antigens, since many egg-producing animals are naturally exposed to these pathogens. However, one of the advantages of the hyperimmunized egg product is that it would have a higher and more consistent level of antibodies (e.g. IgY antibodies) to particular C. perfringens and/or E. tenella antigens compared to a control egg product.

The hyperimmunized egg product can be produced by any egg-producing animal. It is preferred that the animal be a member of the class Aves or, in other words, an avian. Within the class Aves, domesticated fowl are preferred, but other members of this class, such as turkeys, ducks, and geese, are a suitable source of hyperimmune egg product. In a particular embodiment, the egg-producing animal is a chicken.

This special state of hyperimmunization is preferably achieved by administering an initial immunization, followed by periodic boosters with sufficiently high doses of specific antigens or mixtures of antigens. The dosage of the booster may be 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100% of the dosage necessary to produce primary immunization of the egg-producing animal. Any of these percentages may be used to define a range for the dosage of the booster immunization. For example, in some embodiments, the dosage of the booster is 20%-80%, 30%-70%, or 50%-100% of the dosage necessary to produce primary immunization of the egg-producing animal. In a particular embodiment, the dosage of the booster immunization is 50% of the dosage of the primary immunization.

Having knowledge of the requirement for developing and maintaining a hyperimmune state, it is within the skill of the art to vary the amount of antigen administered, depending on the egg-producing animal genera and strain employed, in order to maintain the animal in the hyperimmune state.

The hyperimmune state may be produced by a single antigen or a combination of antigens. Hyperimmunization may be achieved by multiple exposures to multiple antigens, or multiple exposures to a single antigen.

In certain embodiments, the antigen is a protein, for example a purified recombinant protein. Alternative modes of hyperimmunizing egg producing animals can be used in place of antigenic proteins, and include the use of genetic vaccines. In particular, any DNA construct (generally consisting of a promoter region and an antigen encoding sequence) will trigger an immune response. Genetic vaccines include immunogenic-coding vectors, fragments of naked DNA, plasmid DNA, DNA-RNA immunogens, DNA-protein conjugates, DNA-liposome conjugates, DNA expression libraries, and viral and bacterial DNA delivered to produce an immune response. Methods of DNA delivery include particle bombardment, direct injection, viral vectors, liposomes and jet injection, among others. When applying these delivery methods, much smaller quantities may be necessary and generally result in more persistent antigen production. When using such genetic processes, the preferred method for introducing DNA into avians is through intramuscular injection of the DNA into the breast muscle.

Methods of DNA delivery include but are not limited to, particle bombardment, direct injection, liposomes, and jet injection (Fynan, E. F. et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90:11478-11482 (1993)). The nucleic acids that code for an antigen, promoter regions (notably CMV cauliflower mosaic virus) and SV40 bacterial origin can be replicated in bacteria to produce plasmid DNA for use in DNA injections. Although several routes of parenteral administration of the DNA are effective in chickens, the preferred method is intramuscular injection to the breast muscle. Vaccine trials are carried out in egg laying avians, preferably chickens. Repeated immunizations are given at one to two week intervals for up to six months.

It is preferred that the amounts of DNA used are generally in the order of 50-300 ag of DNA in saline for direct injection. For particle bombardment, 4-100 ag of DNA co-precipitated onto gold beads by the addition of 2.5 M CaCl₂ are preferred. Repeated immunizations can be given intradermally by this method of accelerating DNA coated particles into the live animal.

Antigens for Hyperimmunization

In certain embodiments, the antigen for hyperimmunization comprises a protein, e.g. one or more of the proteins listed in Table 1A below. For example, in certain embodiments, the antigen used for preparation of the hyperimmunized egg product is selected from the group consisting of the antigens listed in Table 1A below, i.e. antigens A, B, C, D, Co1 and Co2. In some embodiments, the egg producing animal is hyperimmunized with a single antigen, e.g. A, B, C, D, Co1 or Co2. In some embodiments, the egg producing animal is hyperimmunized with two or more antigens selected from the antigens A, B, C, D, Co1 or Co2. In a particular embodiment, the egg producing animal is hyperimmunized with at least one Clostridium antigen (i.e. antigens A, B, C and D), and at least one Eimeria antigen (i.e. antigens Co1 and Co2).

TABLE 1A Clostridium and Eimeria Antigens Antigen Description A Clostridium perfringens α-toxin, a zinc metalloenzyme phospholipase C sphingomyelinase (Genbank Accession No. KY584046; SEQ ID NO: 1) B Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu), a component of prokaryotic mRNA translation apparatus (Genbank Accession No. KY584047; SEQ ID NO: 3) C Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin, a pore-forming toxin (Genbank Accession No. KY559052; SEQ ID NO: 5) D Clostridium perfringens Pyruvate: Ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFO), a metabolic enzyme that catalyzes pyruvate to acetyl- CoA (Genbank Accession No. KY584048; SEQ ID NO: 7) Co1 Eimeria tenella elongation factor 1-alpha, transfers amino- acylated tRNAs to the ribosome A site in a GTP-dependent reaction (Genbank Accession No. KX900609; SEQ ID NO: 9) Co2 Eimeria tenella 3-1E profilin, a highly conserved apicomplexan ligand for toll-like receptors (Genbank Accession No. AF113613.2; SEQ ID NO: 11)

Clostridium perfringens α-toxin (Antigen A), a zinc metalloenzyme phospholipase C sphingomyelinase, has been considered as the major virulence factor in the pathogenesis of necrotic enteritis in chickens for more than 20 years (Van Immerseel et al., 2009, Trends Microbiol. 17:32-36). However, Keyburn et al. (2006, Infect. Immun. 74:6496-6500) demonstrated that α-toxin is not essential for producing necrotic enteritis and later identified and described a new pore-forming toxin NetB (necrotic enteritis B-like) (Antigen C) associated with necrotic enteritis in broilers (Keyburn et al., 2008, PLOS Pathog. 4(2):e26). Recently, Lee et al. (2011, Res. Vet. Sci. 91:e80-86) identified two more non-toxin Clostridium perfringens proteins, elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu, Antigen B) and Pyruvate: Ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFO, Antigen D) that were shown to be immunogenic in chickens. EF-Tu is a component of prokaryotic mRNA translation apparatus and has a role in elongation cycle of protein synthesis (Schirmer et al., 2002, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 68:4894-4899). PFO is a metabolic enzyme that catalyzes pyruvate to acetyl-CoA (Charon et al., 1999, Curr. Opin. Struc. Biol. 9:663-669).

Elongation factor 1-alpha (EF-1α, Antigen Co1) transfers amino-acylated tRNAs to the ribosome A site in a GTP-dependent reaction. (Riis, B., et al., 1990, Trends Biochem. Sci. 15, 420-424). In addition, EF-1α appears to have a number of other functions associated with cell growth, motility, protein turnover, and signal transduction, DNA replication/repair protein networks, and apoptosis. Previous studies have demonstrated that EF-1α can be bound by actin filaments or microtubules as one function. In particular, EF-1α was reported to be a cytoskeleton-binding protein and to play a role in regulating the assembly and crosslinking of actin filaments and microtubules. Studies of EF-1α from Cryptosporidium parvum suggest that EF-1α associates with the cytoskeleton at the apical region, forming an essential component of the parasite's invasion apparatus. Sasai, K., et al., 1996, J. Parasitol. 82, 82-87; and Matsubayashi et al., 2013, J Biol. Chem. 288(47): 34111-20.

Profilin is an actin-binding protein involved in the dynamic turnover and restructuring of the actin cytoskeleton. It is found in all eukaryotic organisms in most cells. In apicomplexan protozoa, such as Eimeria, Plasmodium, and Toxoplasma, profilin is a key contributor to actin-dependent gliding motility that is essential for migration across biological barriers and host cell invasion. Eimeria tenella 3-1E profilin is a highly conserved apicomplexan ligand for toll-like receptors. Jang et al., 2011, Experimental Parasitology 127 (2011) 178-183.

In certain embodiments, the Clostridium perfringens α-toxin antigen (Antigen A) comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1. In a particular embodiment, the Clostridium perfringens α-toxin antigen consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1. In some embodiments, the Clostridium perfringens α-toxin antigen comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 60%, at least 61%, at least 62%, at least 63%, at least 64%, at least 65%, at least 66%, at least 67%, at least 68%, at least 69%, at least 70%, at least 71%, at least 72%, at least 73%, at least 74%, at least 75%, at least 76%, at least 77%, at least 78%, at least 79%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In certain embodiments, the Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu) antigen (Antigen B) comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3. In a particular embodiment, the Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu) antigen consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3. In some embodiments, the Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu) antigen comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 60%, at least 61%, at least 62%, at least 63%, at least 64%, at least 65%, at least 66%, at least 67%, at least 68%, at least 69%, at least 70%, at least 71%, at least 72%, at least 73%, at least 74%, at least 75%, at least 76%, at least 77%, at least 78%, at least 79%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3.

In certain embodiments, the Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin antigen (Antigen C) comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5. In a particular embodiment, the Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin antigen consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5. In some embodiments, the Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin antigen comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 60%, at least 61%, at least 62%, at least 63%, at least 64%, at least 65%, at least 66%, at least 67%, at least 68%, at least 69%, at least 70%, at least 71%, at least 72%, at least 73%, at least 74%, at least 75%, at least 76%, at least 77%, at least 78%, at least 79%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5.

In certain embodiments, the Clostridium perfringens Pyruvate: Ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFO) antigen (Antigen D) comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7. In a particular embodiment, the Clostridium perfringens Pyruvate: Ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFO) antigen consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7. In some embodiments, the Clostridium perfringens Pyruvate: Ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFO) antigen comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 60%, at least 61%, at least 62%, at least 63%, at least 64%, at least 65%, at least 66%, at least 67%, at least 68%, at least 69%, at least 70%, at least 71%, at least 72%, at least 73%, at least 74%, at least 75%, at least 76%, at least 77%, at least 78%, at least 79%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7.

In certain embodiments, the Eimeria tenella elongation factor 1-alpha antigen (Antigen Co1) comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 9. In a particular embodiment, the Eimeria tenella elongation factor 1-alpha antigen consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 9. In some embodiments, the Eimeria tenella elongation factor 1-alpha antigen comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 60%, at least 61%, at least 62%, at least 63%, at least 64%, at least 65%, at least 66%, at least 67%, at least 68%, at least 69%, at least 70%, at least 71%, at least 72%, at least 73%, at least 74%, at least 75%, at least 76%, at least 77%, at least 78%, at least 79%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 9.

In certain embodiments, the Eimeria tenella 3-1E profilin antigen (Antigen Co2) comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11. In a particular embodiment, the Eimeria tenella 3-1E profilin antigen consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11. In some embodiments, the Eimeria tenella 3-1E profilin antigen comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 60%, at least 61%, at least 62%, at least 63%, at least 64%, at least 65%, at least 66%, at least 67%, at least 68%, at least 69%, at least 70%, at least 71%, at least 72%, at least 73%, at least 74%, at least 75%, at least 76%, at least 77%, at least 78%, at least 79%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11.

As discussed above, an egg-producing animal may be hyperimmunized by administering a genetic vaccine comprising DNA encoding an antigenic protein. In certain embodiments, the genetic vaccine comprises a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, and SEQ ID NO: 12.

In certain embodiments, the genetic vaccine comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding Clostridium perfringens α-toxin antigen (Antigen A) and having at least 60%, at least 61%, at least 62%, at least 63%, at least 64%, at least 65%, at least 66%, at least 67%, at least 68%, at least 69%, at least 70%, at least 71%, at least 72%, at least 73%, at least 74%, at least 75%, at least 76%, at least 77%, at least 78%, at least 79%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In certain embodiments, the genetic vaccine comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu) antigen and having at least 60%, at least 61%, at least 62%, at least 63%, at least 64%, at least 65%, at least 66%, at least 67%, at least 68%, at least 69%, at least 70%, at least 71%, at least 72%, at least 73%, at least 74%, at least 75%, at least 76%, at least 77%, at least 78%, at least 79%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4.

In certain embodiments, the genetic vaccine comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin antigen and having at least 60%, at least 61%, at least 62%, at least 63%, at least 64%, at least 65%, at least 66%, at least 67%, at least 68%, at least 69%, at least 70%, at least 71%, at least 72%, at least 73%, at least 74%, at least 75%, at least 76%, at least 77%, at least 78%, at least 79%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6.

In certain embodiments, the genetic vaccine comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding Clostridium perfringens Pyruvate: Ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFO) antigen and having at least 60%, at least 61%, at least 62%, at least 63%, at least 64%, at least 65%, at least 66%, at least 67%, at least 68%, at least 69%, at least 70%, at least 71%, at least 72%, at least 73%, at least 74%, at least 75%, at least 76%, at least 77%, at least 78%, at least 79%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8.

In certain embodiments, the genetic vaccine comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding Eimeria tenella elongation factor 1-alpha antigen and having at least 60%, at least 61%, at least 62%, at least 63%, at least 64%, at least 65%, at least 66%, at least 67%, at least 68%, at least 69%, at least 70%, at least 71%, at least 72%, at least 73%, at least 74%, at least 75%, at least 76%, at least 77%, at least 78%, at least 79%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10.

In certain embodiments, the genetic vaccine comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding the Eimeria tenella 3-1E profilin antigen and having at least 60%, at least 61%, at least 62%, at least 63%, at least 64%, at least 65%, at least 66%, at least 67%, at least 68%, at least 69%, at least 70%, at least 71%, at least 72%, at least 73%, at least 74%, at least 75%, at least 76%, at least 77%, at least 78%, at least 79%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12.

Various methods and software programs can be used to determine the homology between two or more peptides or nucleic acids, such as NCBI BLAST, Clustal W, MAFFT, Clustal Omega, AlignMe, Praline, or another suitable method or algorithm. In some embodiments, percent identity is calculated by FastDB based upon the following parameters: mismatch penalty of 1; gap penalty of 1; gap size penalty of 0.33; and joining penalty of 30.

An example of a useful algorithm is PILEUP. PILEUP creates a multiple sequence alignment from a group of related sequences using progressive, pairwise alignments. The algorithm can also plot a tree showing the clustering relationships used to create the alignment. A non-limiting example of PILEUP parameters includes a default gap weight of 3.00, a default gap length weight of 0.10, and weighted end gaps.

Another example of a useful algorithm is the BLAST algorithm. A non-limiting example of a BLAST program is the WU-BLAST-2 program. WU-BLAST-2 uses several search parameters, most of which are set, for example, to the default values. The adjustable parameters are set, for example, with the following values: overlap span=1, overlap fraction=0.125, word threshold (T)=ll. The HSP S and HSP S2 parameters are dynamic values and are established by the program itself depending upon the composition of the particular sequence and composition of the particular database against which the sequence of interest is being searched. The values can be adjusted to increase sensitivity.

An additional useful algorithm is gapped BLAST. Gapped BLAST uses BLOSUM-62 substitution scores; threshold T parameter set to 9; the two-hit method to trigger ungapped extensions, charges gap lengths of k a cost of 10+k; Xu set to 16, and Xg set to 40 for database search stage and to 67 for the output stage of the algorithms. Gapped alignments are triggered by a score corresponding to, for example, about 22 bits.

An additional useful tool is Clustal, a series of commonly used computer programs for multiple sequence alignment. Recent versions of Clustal include ClustalW, ClustalX and Clustal Omega. Default parameters for pairwise alignments and calculation of percent identity of protein 5 sequences using the Clustal method are KTUPLE=1, GAP PENALTY=3, WINDOW=5 and DIAGONALS SAVED=5. For nucleic acids these parameters are KTUPLE=2, GAP PENALTY=5, WINDOW=4 and DIAGONALS SAVED=4.

In certain embodiments, the antigen comprises one or more bacteria, for example, one or more of the bacteria listed in Table 1B below. For example, in some embodiments, the antigen is prepared from a bacterial culture containing one or more of the bacteria shown in Table 1B below. In a particular embodiment, the antigen comprises all of the bacteria shown in Table 1B below.

TABLE 1B Escherichia coli Escherichia coli (Aerobacter) Klebsiella pneumoniae Pseudomonas aeruginosa Salmonella typhimurium Salmonella dysenteriae Salmonella enteriditis Salmonella epidermis Salmonella simulans Streptococcus pyogenes, type 1 Streptococcus pyogenes, type 3 Streptococcus pyogenes, type 5 Streptococcus pyogenes, type 8 Streptococcus pyogenes, type 12 Streptococcus pyogenes, type 14 Streptococcus pyogenes, type 18 Streptococcus pyogenes, type 22 Pseudomonas vulgaris Streptococcus agalactiae Streptococcus mitis Streptococcus mutans Streptococcus salavarius Streptococcus sanguis Streptococcus pneumoniae Propionibacterium acnes Haemophilis influenzae

In certain embodiments, the antigen comprises one or more viruses, for example, one or more of the viruses listed in Table IC below. In a particular embodiment, the antigen comprises the Infectious Bursal Disease Virus, Standard; Infectious Bursal Disease Virus, variant A; Infectious Bursal Disease Virus, variant E; Reovirus strain S1133; Reovirus strain 2408; and Reovirus strain SS412. In a further particular embodiment, the antigen comprises all of the viruses listed in Table IC. The combination of all of the viruses listed in Table IC is referred to herein as “Antigen H”.

TABLE 1C Viral Antigens Virus Description Viral Vaccine Infectious Bursal Disease MAXIMUNE ® 6 Virus, Standard (Ceva Animal Health, Lenexa, KS) Infectious Bursal Disease MAXIMUNE ® 6 Virus, variant A Infectious Bursal Disease MAXIMUNE ® 6 Virus, variant E Reovirus strain S1133 Tenosynovitis pathotype MAXIMUNE ® 6 Reovirus strain 2408 Malabsorption pathotype MAXIMUNE ® 6 Reovirus strain SS412 Distinct serotype from MAXIMUNE ® 6 the S1133 type reovirus and a causative agent of proventriculitis and malabsorption syndrome in broilers Infectious Bronchitis Arkansas type, live AviPro ® IB Ark Virus virus (Lohman Animal Health Int., Winslow, ME) Hemorrhagic Enteritis Pheasant strain, live Adenomune ® II (HE) Virus, Avian avirulent strain (Ceva Animal Adenovirus Type 2 Health, Lenexa, KS) Hyperimmunization Procedure

The following list of steps is an example of a preferred procedure used to bring an egg-producing animal to a heightened state of immunity from which the resultant hyperimmune egg or egg product can be administered to an avian:

-   -   1. Selecting one or more antigens.     -   2. Eliciting an immune response in the egg-producing animal by         primary immunization.     -   3. Administering booster vaccines of one or more antigens of         appropriate dosage to induce and maintain the hyperimmune state.         Step 1:

The critical point in this step is that the antigen(s) must be capable of inducing immune and hyperimmune states in the egg-producing animal. In some embodiments, the egg-producing animal is immunized with one or more of the antigens listed in Table 1A, Table 1B, or Table IC.

Step 2:

In some embodiments, the vaccine for immunization of the egg-producing animal comprises a protein antigen, for example, a purified recombinant protein. In some embodiments, the vaccine is a genetic vaccine as described above. For bacterial antigens, the vaccine may be either a killed or live-attenuated vaccine. The vaccine may be administered by any method that elicits an immune response. It is preferred that immunization be accomplished by administering the vaccine through intramuscular injection. The preferred muscle for injection in an avian is the breast muscle. Dosage is preferably 0.05-5 milligrams of the immunogenic vaccine. Other methods of administration that can be used include intravenous injection, intraperitoneal injection, intradermal, rectal suppository, aerosal or oral administration. When DNA techniques are used for the hyperimmunization process, much smaller quantities are required, generally 300 micrograms.

It can be determined whether the vaccine has elicited an immune response in the egg-producing animal through a number of methods known to those having skill in the art of immunology. Examples of these include enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), tests for the presence of antibodies to the stimulating antigens, and tests designed to evaluate the ability of immune cells from the host to respond to the antigen. The minimum dosage of antigen necessary to induce an immune response depends on the vaccination procedure used, including the type of adjuvants and formulation of antigen(s) used as well as the type of egg-producing animal used as the host.

Step 3:

The hyperimmune state is preferably induced and maintained in the target animal by repeated booster administrations of an appropriate dosage at fixed time intervals. The time intervals are preferably 2-8 week intervals over a period of 6-12 months. However, it is essential that the booster administrations do not lead to immune tolerance. Such processes are well known in the art. Methods of preparing the hyperimmunized egg product are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,803,035, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

In a particular embodiment, an antigen (e.g. an antigen listed in Table 1A or Table 1B) is formulated into a Freund's vaccine at a final concentration of 100 μg/ml. In the first vaccination, the egg-producing animal receives two 0.5 ml doses of each antigen, such that the egg-producing animal receives 100 μg of each antigen. For example, if an egg-producing animal is injected with antigens B and C, the animal would receive 100 μg of antigen B and 100 μg of antigen C for the first vaccination. Two weeks later, one 0.5 ml dose (i.e. 50 μg of the antigen) of each antigen is administered to the egg-producing animal as a booster vaccination. An additional booster vaccination is performed 4 weeks after the first vaccination. The vaccines may be administered to breast tissue. In a further embodiment, the egg-producing animal is injected with one or more of the antigens listed in Table 1A or Table 1B and one or more of the viral vaccines listed in Table 1C (i.e. MAXIMUNE® 6, AviPro® IB Ark, and Adenomune® II).

It is possible to use other hyperimmunization maintenance procedures or combination of procedures, such as, for example, intramuscular injection for primary immunization and intravenous injection for booster injections. Further procedures include simultaneously administering microencapsulated and liquid antigen, or intramuscular injection for primary immunization, and booster dosages by oral administration or parenteral administration by microencapsulation means. Several combinations of primary and hyperimmunization are known to those skilled in the art.

In certain embodiments, the hyperimmunized egg product comprises one or more antibodies, each of which is specific to a protein antigen shown in Table 1A, a bacterium shown in Table 1B, or a virus shown in Table 1C. In one embodiment, the hyperimmunized egg product comprises antibodies to at least one of a protein antigen shown in Table 1A, a bacterium shown in Table 1B, or a virus shown in Table 1. In one embodiment, the hyperimmunized egg product comprises all of the bacteria shown in Table 1B. In one embodiment, the hyperimmunized egg product comprises antibodies to all of the viruses shown in Table IC. In one embodiment, the hyperimmunized egg product comprises antibodies to antigens B and C in Table 1A. In one embodiment, the hyperimmunized egg product comprises antibodies to antigens B, C, Co1 and Co2 in Table 1A. In one embodiment, the hyperimmunized egg product comprises antibodies to antigens B, C, Co1 and Co2 in Table 1A and antibodies to all of the bacteria in Table 1B. In one embodiment, the hyperimmunized egg product comprises antibodies to antigens B, C, Co1 and Co2 in Table 1A, antibodies to all of the bacteria in Table IB, and antibodies to all of the viruses listed in Table IC. In one embodiment, the hyperimmunized egg product comprises antibodies to at least one of the Clostridium antigens (i.e. Antigens A, B, C and D), and at least one of the Coccidium antigens (i.e. Antigens Co1 and Co2). The antibody may be an IgA, IgM or IgY antibody. In a particular embodiment, the antibody is an IgY antibody.

The hyperimmunized egg or hyperimmunized egg product may contain an increased level of an antibody (e.g. an IgY antibody) specific to a particular antigen disclosed herein relative to a control egg or control egg product obtained from an egg-producing animal that is not hyperimmunized with the particular antigen. For example, in some embodiments the hyperimmunized egg or hyperimmunized egg product contains an increased level of an antibody that is specific to one of the antigens shown in Table 1A, one of the bacteria shown in Table IB, or one of the viruses shown in Table IC, relative to a control egg or egg product obtained from an egg-producing animal that is not hyperimmunized. In some embodiments, the hyperimmunized egg or egg product comprises at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 100%, 200%, 300%, 400% or 500% more antibody (e.g. IgY antibody) specific to a particular antigen disclosed herein (for example one of the antigens shown in Table 1A, one of the bacteria shown in Table IB, or one of the viruses show in Table IC) by weight relative to a control egg or control egg product obtained from an egg-producing animal that is not hyperimmunized with the particular antigen. For example, in some embodiments, the hyperimmunized egg or hyperimmunized egg product comprises at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 100%, 200%, 300%, 400% or 500% more antibody (e.g. IgY antibody) specific to Antigen A relative to a control egg or control egg product obtained from an egg-producing animal that is not hyperimmunized with Antigen A. In some embodiments, the hyperimmunized egg or hyperimmunized egg product comprises at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 100%, 200%, 300%, 400% or 500% more antibody (e.g. IgY antibody) specific to Antigen B relative to a control egg or control egg product obtained from an egg-producing animal that is not hyperimmunized with Antigen B. In some embodiments, the hyperimmunized egg or hyperimmunized egg product comprises at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 100%, 200%, 300%, 400% or 500% more antibody (e.g. IgY antibody) specific to Antigen C relative to a control egg or control egg product obtained from an egg-producing animal that is not hyperimmunized with Antigen C. In some embodiments, the hyperimmunized egg or hyperimmunized egg product comprises at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 100%, 200%, 300%, 400% or 500% more antibody (e.g. IgY antibody) specific to Antigen D relative to a control egg or control egg product obtained from an egg-producing animal that is not hyperimmunized with Antigen D. In some embodiments, the hyperimmunized egg or hyperimmunized egg product comprises at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 100%, 200%, 300%, 400% or 500% more antibody (e.g. IgY antibody) specific to Antigen Co1 relative to a control egg or control egg product obtained from an egg-producing animal that is not hyperimmunized with Antigen Co1. In some embodiments, the hyperimmunized egg or hyperimmunized egg product comprises at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 100%, 200%, 300%, 400% or 500% more antibody (e.g. IgY antibody) specific to Antigen Co2 relative to a control egg or control egg product obtained from an egg-producing animal that is not hyperimmunized with Antigen Co2.

The hyperimmunized egg or hyperimmunized egg product may contain increased levels of antibodies to two or more of: the antigens shown in Table 1A, the bacteria shown in Table IB, or the viruses shown in Table IC, relative to a control egg or control egg product obtained from an egg-producing animal that is not hyperimmunized. For example, in a particular embodiment, the hyperimmunized egg or hyperimmunized egg product comprises at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 100%, 200%, 300%, 400% or 500% more antibody to Antigen B and at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 100%, 200%, 300%, 400% or 500% more antibody to Antigen C relative to a control egg or control egg product obtained from an egg-producing animal that is not hyperimmunized with Antigen B or Antigen C.

Comparisons of antibody titers in hyperimmunized egg products and control egg products may be determined by methods known in the art. For example, in one embodiment, eggs are collected and the antibody titers are monitored by ELISA at regular intervals. To determine antibody titers, total IgY is extracted from eggs using Pierce™ Chicken IgY Purification Kit (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, Mass.). Briefly, 2 mL of egg is mixed with five volumes of delipidation reagent and IgY is purified following the manufacturer's instructions. Spray dried egg powder samples are reconstituted in sterile PBS at 1 mg/mL, and filtered through a 0.22 μm membrane filter. Specific antibody titers in the isolated IgY or egg powder samples are measured by ELISA. Flat bottom, 96-well microtiter plates (Corning® Costar®, Corning, N.Y.) are coated with purified recombinant proteins (e.g. Antigens B, C, Co1, or Co2) at 10 μg/mL (100 μL/well) and incubated overnight at 4° C. The plates are washed twice with PBS containing 0.05% Tween 20 (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, Mo.) and blocked with 100 μL/well of PBS containing 1% Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) and incubated for 1 h at RT. Serially diluted (in PBS with 0.1% BSA) IgY samples from egg powder samples are added to the plates in triplicate wells (100 μL/well) and incubated for 2 h at RT with constant shaking. The plates are then washed with PBS-T and treated with peroxidase-conjugated rabbit anti-chicken IgY (IgG) antibody (1:500; Sigma), incubated for 30 min, followed by color development for 10 minutes with 0.01% tetramethylbenzidine substrate (Sigma) in 0.05 M Phosphate-Citrate buffer, pH 5.0. Bound antibodies are detected by measuring optical density at 450 nm (OD₄₅₀) using a microplate reader (Bio-Rad, Hercules, Calif.).

In some embodiments, the hyperimmunized egg or egg product comprises at least 0.0001%, 0.0005%, 0.001%, 0.005%, 0.01%, 0.05%, or 0.1% by weight of an IgY antibody to a specific antigen (for example, one of the antigens shown in Table 1A, one of the bacteria shown in Table IB, or one of the viruses shown in Table IC).

Hyperimmunized eggs or egg products may contain an increased level of two or more antibodies (e.g. IgY antibodies), each of which is specific to a different antigen disclosed herein, relative to a control egg or egg product obtained from an egg-producing animal that is not hyperimmunized. For example, in some embodiments, the hyperimmunized egg or egg product contains an increased level of an antibody (e.g. an IgY antibody) that is specific to Antigen B, and an increased level of an antibody (e.g. an IgY antibody) that is specific to Antigen C, relative to a control egg or egg product. In a particular embodiment, the hyperimmunized egg or egg product contains increased levels of an antibody specific to Antigen B, an antibody specific to Antigen C, an antibody specific to Antigen Co1, and an antibody specific to Antigen Co2, relative to a control egg or egg product. In a further particular embodiment, the hyperimmunized egg or egg product contains increased levels of an antibody specific to Antigen B, an antibody specific to Antigen C, an antibody specific to Antigen Co1, an antibody specific to Antigen Co2, antibodies specific to the bacteria shown in Table IB, and antibodies specific to the viruses shown in Table IC, relative to a control egg or egg product. The level of increase of each antibody (e.g. IgY antibody) in the hyperimmunized egg or egg product may be at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 100%, 200%, 300%, 400%, 500% or more by weight, relative to a control egg or egg product.

Hyperimmunized eggs or egg products comprising two or more antibodies (e.g. IgY antibodies), each of which is specific to a different antigen listed in Table 1A, Table IB, or Table IC may be prepared by immunizing an egg-producing animal with two or more different antigens. In other embodiments, a hyperimmunized egg or egg product comprising two or more antibodies, each of which is specific to a different antigen, may be prepared by combining hyperimmunized egg products from different egg-producing animals immunized with different antigens. For example, in one embodiment a hyperimmunized egg or egg product comprising antibodies to antigens B and C listed in Table 1A may be prepared by immunizing an egg-producing animal with antigens B and C. In another embodiment, a hyperimmunized egg or egg product comprising antibodies to antigens B and C listed in Table 1A is prepared by combining a hyperimmunized egg product from an egg-producing animal immunized with antigen B with a hyperimmunized egg product from an egg-producing animal immunized with antigen C. In certain embodiments, a whole egg comprises 50-100 mg of IgY.

Compositions and Administration

Once the egg-producing animals have been sufficiently hyperimmunized, it is preferred that the eggs from these animals are collected and processed to produce a hyperimmunized egg product in administrable form. Subsequently, the hyperimmunized egg product can be administered to an avian (e.g. a chicken or turkey).

In some embodiments the hyperimmunized egg product is encapsulated. Methods of encapsulating antibodies and other proteins are known in the art and are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,105,158. Materials that are biodegradable and nonantigenic can be used as the encapsulating material. Encapsulating materials include, but are not limited to albumin, PLGA, globulin, natural and synthetic polymers, and thermoplastic polymers. Any polymer that is biocompatible and bioerodible may be used for encapsulation. A number of available crosslinking agents such as glutaraldehyde can be used to crosslink the encapsulating material. Additionally, the pharmaceutically delivered material may contain microspheres of encapsulated drug whereby the microspheres have different concentrations of crosslinking agent used, thereby creating a prolonged continuous release of the drug.

In some embodiments, the hyperimmunized egg product is in the form of a microparticle or nanoparticle, for example, an encapsulated microparticle or encapsulated nanoparticle. The microparticles and nanoparticles can have any shape. Typically the microparticles and nanoparticles are spherical. Other suitable shapes include, but are not limited to, flakes, triangles, ovals, rods, polygons, needles, tubes, cubes and cuboid structures. In certain embodiments, the microparticles have a diameter of less than 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2 or 0.1 micron(s). Any of these values may be used to define a range for the diameter of the microparticle. For example the diameter of the microparticle may be from about 0.1 to about 10 microns, from about 0.1 to about 1 micron, or from about 0.1 to about 2 microns. In other embodiments, larger microparticles or particles may be used. For example the microparticles may have a diameter ranging from 10 microns to 1000 microns. In certain embodiments, the nanoparticles have a diameter of less than 1000, 900, 800, 700, 600, 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, or 10 nm. Any of these values may be used to define a range for the diameter of the nanoparticle. For example the diameter of the nanoparticle may be from about 10 to about 1000 nm, from about 100 to about 1000 nm, or from about 10 to about 100 nm.

There are several processes whereby microparticles or nanoparticles can be encapsulated, including, for example, multi-walled microencapsulation, hot melt encapsulation, phase separation encapsulation, spontaneous emulsion, solvent evaporation microencapsulation, solvent removal microencapsulation, and coacervation. These methods are known in the art. Detailed descriptions of the methods are discussed in Mathiowitz et al., “Microencapsulation”, in Encyclopedia of Controlled Drug Delivery, vol. 2, pp. 495-546, 1999, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York, N.Y., which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

In some embodiments, the IgY antibody specific for an antigen disclosed herein (e.g. an antigen listed in Table 1A, Table 1B or Table IC) is administered to the avian in a concentrated form. For example, in some embodiments, the IgY antibody is purified and concentrated before administration to the subject. Methods of purifying and concentrating IgY antibodies from egg products are known in the art and are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,367,054, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

The hyperimmunized egg product of the present invention is administered to an avian (e.g. a chicken or turkey) by any means that treats or prevents necrotic enteritis in the avian. In certain embodiments, administration occurs by directly feeding an egg or any derivative of the egg. Egg and egg yolk are natural food ingredients and are non-toxic and safe. In other embodiments, the hyperimmunized egg product may be administered by injection, for example, subcutaneous injection or intramuscular injection. Any of several known pharmaceutical carriers can be used in the preparation of an injectable or otherwise administrable preparation, including phosphate buffered saline, saline, ethanol, propylene glycol and the like. In some embodiments, the hyperimmunized egg product is administered through drinking water. In a particular embodiment, the IgY antibody is purified and then added to the drinking water for administration to the avian.

In certain embodiments, the hyperimmunized egg product is administered as a composition comprising one or more additional compounds. These additional compounds include, but are not limited to an animal feed, an animal dietary supplement, and a probiotic. For example, in one embodiment, the hyperimmunized egg product of the invention is integrated into an animal feed or an animal dietary supplement. One preferred method for preparing the egg of the invention to be incorporated into animal feed or a dietary supplement involves drying the egg into an egg powder. Although various methods are known for drying eggs, spray drying is a preferred method. The process of spray drying eggs is well known in the art. In some embodiments, the composition is an aqueous solution comprising the hyperimmunized egg product.

In certain embodiments, whole eggs are divided into separate fractions such as egg yolks and egg whites. For example, it is generally known in the art that IgY antibody is found in egg yolks. Accordingly, those having ordinary skill in the art would clearly recognize that separation of egg yolks could provide more potent fractions or elimination of undesirable components, and would allow for other modes of administration such as administering egg product parenterally, subcutaneously, intravenously, intramuscularly, intraperitoneally, intranasally, orally or topically. Such further separation will provide for the ability to make encapsulated products and compositions comprising said egg or fraction thereof.

It has been the inventors finding that the administration of an effective amount of the hyperimmune egg product of the present disclosure is effective in the treatment and prevention of necrotic enteritis. The hyperimmune egg product is preferably administered to the avian in an amount that is immunologically effective in treating and preventing this disorder, as well as treating symptoms of this disorder such as lesion formation and weight loss. Dosage and duration of the administration will depend upon the particular condition of the avian, whether the disease is present, and, if so, the advancement of the condition in the avian. It is preferred that the hyperimmune egg product is provided in whatever amount is necessary and effective in treating and/or preventing necrotic enteritis, lesion formation, weight loss, and other symptoms of necrotic enteritis. For example, in some cases, daily amounts ranging from less than one to several whole, hyperimmune eggs (or hyperimmune egg products containing the equivalent of less than one to several whole, hyperimmune eggs) can be administered to the avian depending on the particular circumstance of the condition. More potent fractions can be separated and concentrated by methods well-known in the art, from several hundred eggs.

In certain embodiments, the effective amount of the hyperimmunized egg product administered to an avian (e.g. a chicken or turkey) is 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 grams per kilogram of subject weight per day. Any of these values may be used to define a range for the effective amount of the hyperimmunized egg product administered to the avian. For example, in some embodiments the effect amount of the hyperimmunized egg product is between 0.1 and 10 grams, between 0.5 to 6 grams, or between 1 and 5 grams per kilogram of subject weight per day.

In certain embodiments, the composition comprises at least 0.01%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% w/w of the hyperimmunized egg product. Any of these values may be used to define a range for the concentration of the hyperimmunized egg product in the composition. For example, in some embodiments, the composition comprises between 0.01% and 50%, between 0.1% and 50%, or between 1% and 50% w/w of the hyperimmunized egg product.

This invention is further illustrated by the following examples which should not be construed as limiting. The contents of all references, accession numbers, published patents and patent applications cited throughout the application are hereby incorporated by reference.

Sequences in Sequence Listing

SEQ ID NO: Description 1 Antigen A, amino acid sequence 2 Antigen A, nucleic acid sequence 3 Antigen B, amino acid sequence 4 Antigen B, nucleic acid sequence 5 Antigen C, amino acid sequence 6 Antigen C, nucleic acid sequence 7 Antigen D, amino acid sequence 8 Antigen D, nucleic acid sequence 9 Antigen Co1, amino acid sequence 10 Antigen Co1, nucleic acid sequence 11 Antigen Co2, amino acid sequence 12 Antigen Co2, nucleic acid sequence

EXAMPLES Example 1—Preparation of Hyperimmunized Egg Products

Preparation of ET-50 Vaccine

A bacterial culture containing all of the bacteria shown in Table 1B above, as obtained from the American Type Culture Collection, was reconstituted with 15 mL of media and incubated overnight at 37° C. Once good growth was obtained, approximately one-half of the bacterial suspension was employed to inoculate one liter of broth with the inoculate being incubated at 37° C.

After good growth was visible in the culture, the bacterial cells were harvested by centrifugation of the suspension for 20 minutes to remove the media. The bacterial pellet obtained was resuspended in sterile saline solution and the bacterial sample was centrifuged three times to wash the media from the cells. After the third sterile saline wash, the bacterial pellet was resuspended in a small amount of double distilled water.

The media-free bacterial suspension was killed by placing the suspension in a glass flask in an 80 C water bath overnight. The viability if the broth culture was tested with a small amount of killed bacteria, incubated at 37° C. for five days and checked daily for growth to certify that the bacteria had been killed.

The killed bacteria were lyophilized until dry. The dry bacteria were then mixed with sterile saline solution to a concentration of 2.2×108 bacterial cells/mL saline (1.0 optical density reading at 660 nm). Bacteria contained in the ET-50 vaccine are listed in Table 1B above.

Preparation of Clostridium and Eimeria Antigen Vaccines

The antigens from Clostridium perfringens and Eimeria tenella listed in Table 2 below were expressed in E. coli and purified as described in Lee et al., 2011, Research in Veterinary Science 91: e80-e86, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Briefly, full-length coding sequences of the B, C, Co1 and Co2 antigens were cloned into the pET32a(+) vector with an NH₂-terminal polyhistidine tag and transformed into Escherichia coli. Transformed E. coli DH5α bacteria were grown to mid-log phase (16 h at 37° C.), and induced with 1.0 mM of isopropyl-β-d-thiogalactopyranoside (Amresco, Cleveland, Ohio) for 5 h at 37° C. The bacteria were then harvested by centrifugation and disrupted by sonication on ice (Misonix, Farmingdale, N.Y.). The supernatant was incubated with Ni-NTA agarose (Qiagen, Valencia, Calif.) for 1 h at room temperature (RT) and the resin washed with PBS. Purified proteins were eluted and the purity confirmed on Coomassie blue-stained SDS-acrylamide gels.

TABLE 2 Clostridia and Eimeria antigens for production of hyperimmunized egg product Egg Powder Description B Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu) (Genbank Accession No. KY584047) C Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin (Genbank Accession No. KY559052) Co1 Eimeria tenella elongation factor 1-alpha (Genbank Accession No. KX900609) Co2 Eimeria tenella 3-1E profilin (Genbank Accession No. AF113613.2) Viral Vaccines

The viral vaccines MAXIMUNE® 6 (Ceva Animal Health, Lenexa, Kans.), AviPro® IB Ark (Lohman Animal Health Int., Winslow, Me.), and Adenomune® II (Ceva Animal Health, Lenexa, Kans.) were obtained from commercial sources. The viral vaccines are described in Table 1C above. The combination of the viruses in MAXIMUNE® 6, AviPro® IB Ark, and Adenomune® II is referred to herein as Antigen “H”.

Immunization Procedure for Hyperimmune Egg Product

Vaccinations were performed with the killed preparation of pathogens described above for ET-50, or the purified proteins described above for the Clostridium and Eimeria antigens. For the first vaccination for ET-50, the bacteria were mixed with complete Freund's adjuvant, and 5.6 mg of bacterial material were injected into the breast muscle of a chicken. For the remaining vaccinations for ET-50, the bacterial preparation was mixed with incomplete Freund's adjuvant and injected into the chickens at two week intervals for six months. Eggs were collected from the hyperimmunized chickens and then spray dried into a powder form.

For the Clostridium and Eimeria antigens, IgY antibodies were raised in laying hens by hyperimmunizing with one or more of the four antigens B, C, Co1 or Co2 as shown below in Table 3A. The laying hens were administered a first injection followed by booster injections 2 weeks and 4 weeks after the first injection. The antigens were formulated as a Freund's vaccine at a final concentration of 100 ag/ml. For the first injection, each hen received 2 doses of 0.5 ml for each antigen, such that each hen received 100 ag of each antigen. For example, for hens that were injected with the B and C antigens (Group 3), each hen received 100 ag of Antigen B and 100 ag of Antigen C for the first injection. For the booster injections, each hen received one 0.5 ml dose for each antigen, such that each hen received 50 ag of antigen of each antigen. The antigens were administered to breast tissue by subcutaneous/intramuscular injection.

The viral antigens were administered to the laying hens according to manufacturer's instructions. Briefly, MAXIMUNE® 6 was administered by subcutaneous injection to the neck. The hens received a single 0.5 ml dose MAXIMUNE® 6 as a priming dose, followed by 0.5 ml boost doses 14 and 28 days after the priming dose. AviPro® IB Ark and Adenomune® II were administered by eyedropper into the beak. The hens received a single 0.6-0.8 ml priming dose of AviPro® IB Ark and Adenomune® II, followed by 0.6-0.8 ml boost doses 14 and 28 days after the priming dose. Egg powder H refers to egg powder obtained from hens that were immunized with MAXIMUNE® 6, AviPro® IB Ark and Adenomune® II.

TABLE 3A Antigens for preparation of Hyperimmune Egg Powders. Each laying hen was immunized with a single antigen or a combination of antigens, as shown. Group Antigen(s) for Preparation of Hyperimmune Egg Powder 1 B 2 C 3 B + C 4 Co1 5 Co2 6 Co1 + Co2 7 B + C + Co1 8 B + C + Co2 9 B + C + Co1 + Co2 10 H 11 H + B + C + Co1 + Co2 + ET-50

During the spray drying procedure, inlet temperatures did not exceed 320° F., exhaust temperatures were maintained in accordance with producing powder in the range of 3.0 to 4.0 percent finished moisture, and pump pressure was maintained around 2500 to 4000 P.S.I. Lower temperatures ranging from 100-160° F. were used, and samples were monitored for moisture content during the drying process to obtain a final hyperimmunized egg product having the desired consistency.

Example 2—Efficacy of 0.5% Dose of Hyperimmune Egg Powder Against Necrotic Enteritis in Broiler Chickens Infected with a Subclinical Level of C. perfringens

The objective of this study was to evaluate the synergistic effect of various combinations of hyperimmune egg antibodies raised against Clostridium or Eimeria antigens in a mild subclinical challenge model (similar to field challenge) in broiler chickens. The egg antibodies to the Clostridium, Eimeria or ET-50 antigens were prepared as described in Example 1 above. The experimental design involved 15 treatments with 21 birds/treatment. See Table 3 below. Treatment 1 was a non-infected and non-supplemented control. Treatments 2-15 were given an experimental subclinical necrotic enteritis (NE) infection. Treatment 2 served as the non-supplemented infected control and was given a standard diet. Treatment 3 was given feed supplemented with Virginiamycin at 20 g/ton of feed. Treatments 4-15 were given feed supplemented with different egg powders (control egg powder, powder with antibodies against Clostridium or Eimeria antigens, or combinations thereof) at 0.5% w/w. For the treatment groups containing more than one type of egg powder, chickens were immunized separately with a single antigen, and the egg powders were combined after spray drying. Egg powder collected from unimmunized hens was used as the control egg powder. There were a total of 11 egg powders (control, B, C, B+C, Co1, Co2, Co1+Co2, B+C+Co1, B+C+Co2, B+C+Co1+Co2, and B+C+Co1+Co2+ET-50+H). Feeding of supplemented feed commenced from 6 days before Eimeria infection. Body weight was measured before and 2 and 7 days after C. perfringens infection and weight gain was calculated.

TABLE 3B Experimental Design for 0.5% Dose Study No. of Treat- birds/ Type of egg NE ment trtmt Description powder infection 1 21 Uninfected — No control 2 21 Infected & non- — Yes supplemented 3 21 Infected & — Yes Virginiamycin supplemented 4 21 Infected Control powder (0.5%) Yes 5 21 Infected B (0.5%) Yes 6 21 Infected C (0.5%) Yes 7 21 Infected B + C (0.5%) Yes 8 21 Infected Co1 (0.5%) Yes 9 21 Infected Co2 (0.5%) Yes 10 21 Infected Co1 + Co2 (0.5%) Yes 11 21 Infected B + C + Co1 (0.5%) Yes 12 21 Infected B + C + Co2 (0.5%) Yes 13 21 Infected B + C + Co1 + Co2 Yes (0.5%) 14 21 Infected/ H Yes Hofacre mix 15 21 Infected H + B + C + Co1 + Yes Co2 + ET-50 (0.5%)

Newly hatched chicks were purchased from Longnecker's hatchery, Elizabethtown, Pa. Chicks were transported and then housed in brooder units and provided with feed and water ad libitum. Birds were kept in brooder pens in an Eimeria-free facility and transferred into finisher cages in a separate location where they were infected and kept until the end of the experimental period. All experimental procedures regarding transportation and infection were approved by the BARC Small Animal Care Committee. Any abnormal conditions were notified to the Project Leader. Birds were provided with an antibiotic-free starter diet (16% crude protein by weight)) from day 1 to 15 and a grower diet (24% crude protein by weight) from day 15 to the end of the experiment. Feed and water were given ad libitum. Feed supplemented with either egg powder at various levels was given to the birds according to their treatments starting from day 9 of age (6 days before Eimeria infection, 10 days before Clostridium infection) to the end of the experiment.

Birds were infected with a subclinical necrotic enteritis infection model optimized based on pilot trials. At 15 days of age, birds were orally infected with 5×10³ oocysts of Eimeria maxima (strain 41)/bird, followed by Clostridium perfringens infection (1×10⁸ CFU/bird) at 19 days of age at 3 time points (9 AM, 12 PM, 3 PM). Birds were switched to a high protein diet from day 18 of age to facilitate the development of NE. Birds were weighed individually on the day of Eimeria infection (Day 0), day of Clostridium perfringens infection (Day 4), and 2 and 7 days after Clostridium perfringens infection (Days 6 and 11, respectively). Weight gain was calculated. Lesion score was performed 2 days post Clostridium perfringens infection. Six birds per group were euthanized and approximately 20 cm intestinal segments extending 10 cm anterior and posterior to the diverticulum were obtained. Intestinal Sections were scored for necrotic enteritis lesions on a scale of 0 (none) to 4 (high) in a blind fashioned way by three independent observers. Blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture immediately following euthanasia on day 2 (4/treatment) following infection. Sera were separated by centrifuging at 2000 rpm for 20 min and stored at −20° C. until further use. All values were expressed as mean±SEM. Differences among the means were considered significant at p<0.05.

Results

Four treatment groups exhibited significantly lower lesion scores relative to the infected control 2 days after Clostridium perfringens infection: B+C, Co2, B+C+Co1+Co2, and H+B+C+Co1+Co2+ET-50. See FIG. 1 and Table 4. While there was no statistically significant effect on lesion score for the B (C. perfringens elongation factor Tu) and C (C. perfringens NetB toxin) treatment groups, the combination of B+C resulted in a statistically significant reduction in lesion score, indicating a synergistic effect between these treatments. Similarly, while the B+C+Co1 and B+C+Co2 treatments did not significantly reduce lesion score, treatments with the combination of B+C+Co1+Co2 resulted in a significantly lower lesion score, indicating a synergistic effect among these treatments.

The combination treatment of B+C also significantly increased weight gain of the chicks from Day 0 to Day 6 (2 days after Clostridium perfringens infection) relative to the infected control, while the individual treatments of B and C had no significant effect on weight gain in this time period, providing further evidence for a synergistic effect between these treatments. See FIGS. 2 and 3 and Table 5. Indeed, the combination treatment of B+C was as effective as antibiotic (virginiamycin) treatment in increasing weight gain. FIGS. 4 and 5 and Table 6.

TABLE 4 Raw data for lesion scores (2 days post Clostridium perfringens-challenge) Lesion Score - day 2 post challenge Control B + Co1 + B + C + B + C + B + C + All + UC IC Vir egg B C C Co1 Co2 Co2 Co1 Co2 Co1 + Co2 Hofacre ET-50 0 1 0 2 0 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 3 0 2 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 2 0 1 2 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 2 0 0 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 0 2 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 1 1 0 2 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 2 1 2 2 1 2 1 Average 0 1.7 0.5 1.3 1.0 1.2 0.7 1.2 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.2 0.7 1.7 0.7 UC—Uninfected control; IC—Infected control

TABLE 5 Raw data for body weight gain day 0-6 post challenge (2 days post Clostridium perfringens-challenge) Weight gain (g)day 0-6 post challenge Cntrl B + Co1 + B + C + B + C + B + C + All + UC IC Vir egg B C C Co1 Co2 Co2 Co1 Co2 Co1 + Co2 H ET-50 251 138 319 250 158 212 202 141 209 238 190 242 168 162 218 279 172 182 235 228  291* 177 163 182 102 208 184 185 126 217 230 209 239 181 154 202 238 227 116 224 160 225 180 231 150 241 203 267 242 178 210 271 186 265 198 264 261 202 224 272 259 203 211 184 171  110* 185  116* 237 259 163 193 177 199 188 286 200 256 192 224 205  89* 160 202 163 246 152 167 162 226 280 232 252 193 199 232 175 209 295 167 203 152 169 191 202 331 236 211 277 181 213 322  348* 185 169 200 214 197 198 204 296 176 170 220 226 226 247 154 253 286 218 191 288 169 169 246 217 213 147 249 145 240 223 219 244 250 180 169 192 183 215 207 289 209 211 208 273 138 175 142 242 190 198 214 170 256 190 162 192 284 213 250 256 206 210 215 183 186 136 182 256 161 229  90* 157 187 217 268 182 153 182 223 219 173 215 301 219 241 194 175 204 217 197 248 171 235 193 161 170 128 296 212 203 191 225 238 167 160 232 196 211 198 163 208 273 310 228 157 158 173 355 204 191 171 216 183 244 214 171 233 281 155 195 172 196 159 263 157 193 216 201 191 232 211 204 230 257 162 224 219 197 164 207 207 191 195 162 246 231 286 212 124 238 159  130* 220 193 288 209 176 139 149 206 185 173 217 152 321 187 243 199 248 190 228 255 134 218 167 261 216 205 233 242 162 171 208 213 197 261 127 Average 264 195 226 202 201 212 224 195 209 199 202 198 195 194 202 UC—Uninfected control; IC—Infected control *removed as outlier

TABLE 6 Raw data for body weight gain day 0-11 post challenge (7 days post Clostridium perfringens-challenge) Weight gain (g)day 0-11 post challenge Cntrl B + Co1 + B + C + B + C + B + C + All + UC IC Vir egg B C C Co1 Co2 Co2 Co1 Co2 Co1 + Co2 H ET-50 560 498 723 523 422 554 432 386 430 600 481 570 358 410 472 554 473 709 589 525 615 419 575 603 468 435 482 453 390 500 574 496 618 600 410 499 567 499 544 553 644 575 562 572 583 623 508 554 398 400 522 620 317 560 558 576  667* 405 418 526 541 545 520 495 507 607 425  767* 634 440 517 434 342 460 478 702 542 540 494 521 505 657 595 510 583 406 547 367 473 462 580 525 467 586 590 440 548 430 638 464 672 412 521 462 436 595 543 479 346 496 507 587 591 477 534 563 431 444 346  355* 572 504 544 524 620 451 524 513 593 304 570 424 484 436 476 620 556 566 467 443 628 585 558 508 406 468 483 401 366 479 684 538 420 526 557 536 410 520 616 529 391 423 532 468 549 671 430 552 437 451 495 392 480 533 530 436 450 445 437 521 667 458 607 493 512 561 401 506 499 372 475 383 621 568 615 441 471 686 457 500 512 634 465 616 572 418 435  258* 506 419 568 531 578 519 521 427 438 586 527 Average 599 506 570 498 502 531 514 495 552 494 505 463 455 460 503 UC—Uninfected control; IC—Infected control *removed as outlier

Example 3—Efficacy of 0.1% Dose of Hyperimmune Egg Powder Against Necrotic Enteritis in Broiler Chickens Infected with Clinical or Subclinical Levels of C. perfringens

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the egg antibodies described above in Example 2 at a lower dose, i.e. 0.1%, in broiler chickens with necrotic enteritis infected with clinical or subclinical levels of C. perfringens.

The experimental design involved 17 treatments with 21 birds per treatment. See Table 7 below. Treatment 1 was non-infected and non-supplemented control animals. Treatments 2-17 were given an experimental necrotic enteritis infection. Treatments 2 and 10 served as the non-supplemented infected control for subclinical and clinical challenge respectively and were given a standard diet. Treatments 3-9 and 11-17 were given feed supplemented with different egg powders (control egg powder, powder with antibodies against necrotic enteritis antigens or coccidia antigens or a combination of both) at 0.1% w/w. Egg powder collected from unimmunized hens was used as the control egg powder. Feeding of supplemented feed commenced 7 days before Eimeria infection (day 8 of age).

Body weight was measured before and 2 and 7 days after C. perfringens infection, and weight gain was calculated.

TABLE 7 Experimental Design No. of Treat- birds/ Type of egg NE ment trt Description powder infection 1 21 Uninfected — No control 2 21 Infected & non- — Sub- supplemented clinical 3 21 Infected Control powder (0.1%) 4 21 Infected B + C (0.1%) 5 21 Infected Co1 + Co2 (0.1%) 6 21 Infected B + C + Co1 (0.1%) 7 21 Infected B + C + Co2 (0.1%) 8 21 Infected B + C + Co1 + Co2 (0.1%) 9 21 Infected H + B + C + Co1 + Co2 + ET-50 (0.1%) (All + ET-50) 10 21 Infected & non- — Clinical supplemented 11 21 Infected Control powder (0.1%) 12 21 Infected B + C (0.1%) 13 21 Infected Co1 + Co2 (0.1%) 14 21 Infected B + C + Co1 (0.1%) 15 21 Infected B + C + Co2 (0.1%) 16 21 Infected B + C + Co1 + Co2 (0.1%) 17 21 Infected H + B + C + Co1 + Co2 + ET-50 (0.1%) (All + ET-50)

Birds were provided with an antibiotic-free starter diet (16% crude protein by weight) from day 1 to 19 and a grower diet (24% crude protein by weight) from day 19 to the end of the experiment. Feed and water were given ad libitum. Feed supplemented with egg powder at 0.1% level was given to the birds according to their treatments starting from day 8 of age (7 days before Eimeria infection, 11 days before Clostridium perfringens infection) to the end of the experiment.

At 15 days of age, birds were orally infected with 5×10³ oocysts of E. maxima (strain 41)/bird. At 19 days of age, birds were infected with subclinical or clinical levels of C. perfringens which were optimized based on pilot trials. C. perfringens infection was performed at 3 time points (9 AM, 12 PM, 3 PM) at a rate of 1×10⁸ CFU/bird in the subclinical model, and 1×10⁹ CFU/bird in the clinical model. Birds were switched to a high protein diet from day 19 of age to facilitate the development of NE. Birds were weighed individually on the day of Eimeria infection (Day 0), on the day of Clostridium perfringens infection (Day 4), and 2 and 7 days after Clostridium perfringens infection (Days 6 and 11, respectively). Weight gain was calculated.

Lesion score was determined 2 days post Clostridium perfringens infection. Six birds per group were euthanatized and approximately 20 cm intestinal segments extending 10 cm anterior and posterior to the diverticulum were obtained. Intestinal sections were scored for necrotic enteritis lesions on a scale of 0 (none) to 4 (high) in a blind evaluation by three independent observers.

All values were expressed as mean±SEM. Differences among means were considered significant at p<0.05.

Results

The 0.1% dose of the B+C (C. perfringens elongation factor Tu (B) and NetB toxin (C) antibodies) and All+ET-50 treatments significantly reduced lesion score 2 days after infection with a subclinical level of C. perfringens relative to the uninfected control. FIG. 6 and Table 8. The 0.1% dose of the B+C and B+C+Co1 treatments significantly increased weight gain from Day 0 (day of Eimeria infection) to Day 6 (2 days after C. perfringens infection) relative to the infected control for the subclinical level of C. perfringens infection. FIGS. 8 and 9 and Table 10. At Day 11 (7 days after C. perfringens infection) the B+C treatment significantly increased weight gain relative to the infected control for the clinical infection level. See FIGS. 14 and 15 and Table 13.

TABLE 8 Raw data for lesion scores (2 days post Clostridium perfringens-challenge) - subclinical infection Lesion Score - day 2 post challenge (subclinical) Uninfected Infected Control B + Co1 + B + C + B + C + B + C + All + control control egg C Co2 Co1 Co2 Co1 + Co2 ET-50 0 2 1 1 0 2 1 1 1 0 2 1 1 1 2 0 1 2 0 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 0 4 1 2 2 2 3 1 0 0 2 2 0 1 1 2 3 1 0 1 2 2 1 Average 0 2.2 1.2 1.0 1.3 1.7 1.5 1.4 1.0

TABLE 9 Raw data for lesion scores (2 days post Clostridium perfringens-challenge) - clinical infection Lesion Score - day 2 post challenge (clinical) Uninfected Infected Control B + Co1 + B + C + B + C + B + C + All + control control egg C Co2 Co1 Co2 Co1 + Co2 ET-50 0 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 2 0 3 4 0 1 2 2 3 2 0 4 2 2 1 3 1 2 2 0 3 2 4 3 1 2 1 2 0 2 2 3 2 3 2 3 2 0 2 2 3 2 2 3 2 2 Average 0 2.8 2.5 2.7 2.0 2.3 2.2 2.3 2.0

TABLE 10 Raw data for body weight gain Day 0 (day of Eimeria infection) to Day 6 (2 days post Clostridium perfringens-challenge)-subclinical infection Weight gain (g)day 0-6 post challenge (subclinical) Uninfected Infected Control B + Co1 + B + C + B + C + B + C + All + control control egg C Co2 Co1 Co2 Co1 + Co2 ET-50 330 125 128 209 264 252 247 183 150 322 227 202 162 135 175 181 173 268 328 139 221 146 167 179 208 194 260 343 201 223 190 201 180 211 129 168 207 138 207 229 226 204 184 201 141 239 125 222 175 202 248 190 130 206 240 164 200 127 124 263 146 113 173 317 191 163 245 172 208 175 183 248 163 148 214 137 268 195 197 214 157 340 199 188 218 152 191 147 148 205 267 119 195 214 248 170 171 171 179 300 179 203 254 185 193 162 231 204 277 131 106 205 157 140 198 103 247 231 118 227 212 138 181 203 177 153 310 177 233 315 125 197 121 162 142 236 160 204 216 229 191 180 149 164 252 134 229 179 203 144 155 193 192 304 255 168 150 160 262 177 152 219 268 191 243 241 162 206 186 204 278 211 229 272 139  87* 181 208 311 111 213 228 220 Average 279 167 196 205 184 200 183 167 194 UC—Uninfected control; IC—Infected control *removed as outlier

TABLE 11 Raw data for body weight gain from Day 0 (day of Eimeria infection) to Day 6 (2 days post Clostridium perfringens-challenge) - clinical infection. Weight gain (g)day 0-6 post challenge (clinical) Uninfected Infected Control B + Co1 + B + C + B + C + B + C + All + control control egg C Co2 Co1 Co2 Co1 + Co2 ET-50 330 130 215 246 240 192 232 206 190 322 177 285 224 186 189 172 188 261 328 225 122 186 146 199 149 166 188 343 156 246 268 150 273 123 172 165 207 155 156 132 201 220 222 186 120 239 194 268 255 219 195 157 142 119 240 183 194 146 303 169 126 107 129 317 141 135  86* 237 163 221 252 243 163 226 265 160 277 193 246 149  86* 340 165 144 173 221 159 222 266 175 267 215 115 188 233 282 165  84*  94* 300  15* 280 190 141 108 231 178 168 277 226 186 100 145 204 168 222 132 231 153 174 107 187 121 261 159 140 310 193 153 182 216 161 123 152 173 236 118 226 156 156 168 116 180 165 252 250 154 207 103 244 241 169 123 304 170 184 218 258 164 169 168 106 268 235 215 213 126 118 147 149 278 130 221 198 163 237 214 311 169 251 155 Average 279 181 193 187 202 186 184 180 164 UC—Uninfected control; IC—Infected control *removed as outlier

TABLE 12 Raw data for body weight gain Day 0 (day of Eimeria infection) to Day 11 (7 days post Clostridium perfringens-challenge)-subclinical infection Weight gain (g)day 0-11 post challenge (subclinical) Uninfected Infected Control B + Co1 + B + C + B + C + B + C + All + control control egg C Co2 Co1 Co2 Co1 + Co2 ET-50 686 282 506 436 621 531 546 469 379 671 524 539 577 339 447 499 497 620 654 342 558 536 522 523 540 401 366 687 534 453 411 490 524 396 411 470 447 522 475 452 311 620 475 464 383 671 422 460 472 620  89* 438 444 603 747 466 530 502 367 436 478 453 465 540 536 509 576 555 477 352 590 426 643 378 474 496 403 393 340 262 459 481 312 475 698 536 501 339 370 291 699 456 538 492 337 390 268 405 358 514 613 553 553 330 402 355 288 454 528 464 341 615 511 610 455 474 623 486 584 458 418 577 476 563 531 Average 611 453 498 524 457 491 428 421 442 UC—Uninfected control; IC—Infected control *removed as outlier

TABLE 13 Raw data for body weight gain Day 0 (day of Eimeria infection) to Day 11 (7 days post Clostridium perfringens-challenge)-clinical infection Weight gain (g)day 0-11 post challenge (clinical) Uninfected Infected Control B + Co1 + B + C + B + C + B + C + All + control control egg C Co2 Co1 Co2 Co1 + Co2 ET-50 686 362 514 533 571 436 499 444 412 671 451 587 519 264 399 400 477 567 654 253 559 497 402 501 443 292 424 687 425 586 545 518 581  11* 328 386 447  59* 517 635 667 385 545 300 362 671  −31* 629  72* 551 303 458 502 472 747 527 407 515 566 469 513 310 414 540 371 598 474 481 433 413 624 432 643 507 475 381 496 462 512 488 293 481 566 300 368 437 313 539 405 325 699 524 551 495 303 241 339 392 514 447 526 481 548 560 400 400 528 515 520 506 455 364 415 390 623 533 463 353 413 398 577 459 428 Average 611 433 512 508 495 432 450 411 405 UC—Uninfected control; IC—Infected control *removed as outlier

Example 4—Hyperimmunization of Laying Hens and Determination of IgY Titers

Cloning, Expression and Purification of Recombinant Clostridium perfringens Antigens for Hyperimmunization

The procedures for the production of recombinant proteins for immunization of hens followed ones previously described (Jang et al., 2012, Vaccine 30:5401-5406; Lee et al., 2011, Res. Vet. Sci. 91:e80-86). Briefly, full-length coding sequences of Clostridium perfringens α-toxin (Antigen A), NetB toxin (Antigen B), EF-Tu (Antigen C) and partial sequence of PFO (Antigen D) were cloned into the pET32a(+) vector with an NH₂-terminal polyhistidine tag and transformed into Escherichia coli. Transformed E. coli DH5α bacteria were grown to mid-log phase (16 h at 37° C.), induced with 1.0 mM of isopropyl-β-d-thiogalactopyranoside (Amresco, Cleveland, Ohio) for 5 h at 37° C. The bacteria were then harvested by centrifugation and disrupted by sonication on ice (Misonix, Farmingdale, N.Y.). The supernatant was incubated with Ni-NTA agarose (Qiagen, Valencia, Calif.) for 1 h at room temperature (RT) and the resin washed with PBS. Purified Clostridial proteins were eluted and the purity confirmed on Coomassie blue-stained SDS-acrylamide gels.

Immunization of Laying Hens.

Laying hens were immunized with 50 μg of the purified Clostridium perfringens recombinant protein as a subcutaneous/intramuscular injection.

Determination of Antigen-Specific IgY Titers in Egg and Spray Dried Egg Powder

Egg samples collected from immunized and unimmunized hens at regular intervals were used to monitor the specific antibody titers. Total IgY was extracted from eggs using PIERCE™ Chicken IgY Purification Kit (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, Mass.). Briefly, 2 mL of egg was mixed with five volumes of delipidation reagent and IgY was purified following the manufacturer's instructions. Spray dried egg powder samples were reconstituted in sterile PBS at 1 mg/mL conc., filtered through 0.22 μm membrane filter. Specific antibody titers in the isolated IgY or egg powder samples were measured by ELISA. Flat bottom, 96-well microtiter plates (Corning® Costar®, Corning, N.Y.) were coated with purified recombinant Clostridium perfringens proteins (A, E, N, P) at 10 μg/mL conc. (100 μL/well) and incubated overnight at 4° C. The plates were washed twice with PBS containing 0.05% Tween 20 (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, Mo.) and blocked with 100 μL/well of PBS containing 1% Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) and incubated for 1 h at RT. Serially diluted (in PBS with 0.1% BSA) IgY samples from egg or egg powder samples were added to the plates in triplicate wells (100 μL/well) and incubated for 2 h at RT with constant shaking. The plates were then washed with PBS-T and treated with peroxidase-conjugated rabbit anti-chicken IgY (IgG) antibody (1:500; Sigma), incubated for 30 min, followed by color development for 10 minutes with 0.01% tetramethylbenzidine substrate (Sigma) in 0.05 M Phosphate-Citrate buffer, pH 5.0. Bound antibodies were detected by measuring optical density at 450 nm (OD₄₅₀) using a microplate reader (Bio-Rad, Hercules, Calif.).

Antibody Titers in Eggs of Hyperimmunized Hens

The average antibody titers in the eggs of hyperimmunized hens is shown in FIG. 16. The birds showed significantly higher antibody titers, to the respective antigen they were immunized with, in the egg compared to those from unimmunized controls.

Antibody Titers of Spray Dried Egg Powder

The specific antibody titers in the spray dried egg powder as determined by ELISA are shown in FIG. 17. The different egg powders produced showed significantly higher antibody titers compared to that of the spray dried control egg powder.

Example 5—Efficacy of a 1% Dose of Hyperimmune Egg Powder Against Necrotic Enteritis in Broiler Chickens Infected with Clinical Levels of C. perfringens

Production of Clostridium perfringens-Specific Egg IgY Antibodies

IgY antibodies were raised in laying hens by hyperimmunizing with at least one of four different antigens of Clostridium perfringens: α-toxin (Antigen A), Elongation Factor Tu (EF-Tu, Antigen B), NetB toxin (Antigen C), and Pyruvate: Ferredoxin oxidoreducatse (PFO, Antigen D) alone or all 4 antigens pooled and given as a booster injection 2 weeks later. Eggs were collected and the antibody titers were monitored by ELISA at regular intervals. After demonstration of increasing specific antibody titers in the eggs, eggs were collected, homogenized and then spray dried. The resultant egg powder was used as a source of protective antibodies and control powder was obtained from eggs collected from unimmunized hens.

Evaluation of Protective Immunity

Two independent in vivo trials were conducted to evaluate the protective effect of hyperimmune IgY against experimentally induced NE infection in chickens. Body weight gain and lesion scores were used as the criterion to judge the protective efficacy of the antibodies. All the experiments were approved by the Beltsville Agriculture Research Center Small Animal Care and Use Committee and the husbandry followed guidelines for the care and use of animals in agriculture research (FASS, 1999).

Experiment 1

Day (d) old broiler chicks (n=120) (Ross/Ross, Longenecker's Hatchery, Elizabethtown, Pa.) were obtained and housed in brooder units in Eimeria-free facility for two weeks. Birds were then transferred to finisher cages where they were infected and kept until the end of the experimental period. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. At 17 d of age, birds were randomly assigned to one of the 8 treatments (15 birds/trt). Birds in treatment 1 were uninfected and given non-supplemented standard diet (control). Birds in treatments 2-8 were co-infected with Eimeria maxima/Clostridium perfringens to experimentally induce NE and were provided with either a non-supplemented diet (treatment 2) or diets supplemented with control egg powder (treatment 3) or egg powders from immunized hens as shown in table 14 below at the 1% level.

TABLE 14 Experimental Design for Experiment 1 Treat- Type of egg NE ment Description powder infection 1 Uninfected control — No 2 Infected & non- — Clinical supplemented 3 Infected Control powder (1%) 4 Infected A (1%) 5 Infected B (1%) 6 Infected C (1%) 7 Infected D (1%) 8 Infected A + B + C + D (1%)

The experimental model used for necrotic enteritis induction included oral inoculation of birds at 17 d of age with E. maxima strain 41A (1×10⁴ oocysts/bird) followed by oral gavage with Clostridium perfringens strain Del-1 (1×109 CFU/bird) four days after Eimeria infection (d 23 of age). To facilitate the development of necrotic enteritis, all the birds were given an antibiotic-free certified organic starter diet containing low level (16%) of crude protein from d 1 to 17 and then switched to a standard grower diet with high crude protein levels (24%) from d 23 to the end of the experiment. Feeding of diets supplemented with egg powders (control powder/powder B/powder C) at 1% level commenced from 17 d of age (day of Eimeria infection) to the end of the experiment. Birds were weighed individually on d 17 (the day of Eimeria infection/four days before Clostridium perfringens infection) and on d 30 (7 days after Clostridium perfringens infection) and weight gains were calculated. Three birds per treatment group were randomly selected, euthanized and approximately 20 cm intestinal segments extending 10 cm anterior and posterior to the Meckel's diverticulum were obtained on d 23 (2 days after Clostridium perfringens infection). Intestinal sections were scored for NE lesions on a scale of 0 (none) to 4 (high) in a blind fashioned way by three independent observers (Cooper and Songer, 2009; Prescott, 1979).

Experiment 2

Husbandry for the birds in this experiment followed procedures previously described for experiment 1. Fifty broiler chickens were randomly assigned to one of the 5 treatments (10 birds/trt) at 17 d of age. Birds in treatment 1 were uninfected and given non-supplemented standard diet (control). Birds in treatments 2-5 were co-infected with Eimeria maxima/Clostridium perfringens to experimentally induce necrotic enteritis and were provided with either a non-supplemented diet (treatment 2) or diets supplemented with control egg powder (treatment 3) or the egg powders shown in Table 15 below at the 1% level.

TABLE 15 Experimental Design for Experiment 2 Treat- Type of egg NE ment Description powder infection 1 Uninfected control — No 2 Infected & non- — Clinical supplemented 3 Infected Control powder (1%) 4 Infected B (1%) 5 Infected C (1%)

The procedures for induction of necrotic enteritis were similar to the ones described for experiment 1. Birds were weighed individually on d 17 (the day of Eimeria infection/four days before Clostridium perfringens infection) and on d 30 (7 days after Clostridium perfringens infection) and weight gains were calculated. Blood samples (n=3/treatment) were collected form the wing vein 6 hr following inoculation with Clostridium perfringens and sera were separated by centrifugation at 1000 rpm for 20 min.

Capture ELISA for Determination of Serum α-Toxin or NetB Toxin Levels

Serum samples from experiment 2 were used to determine the levels of α-toxin and NetB toxin by ELISA and the procedures followed have previously been described (Lee et al., 2013, Brit. J. Nutr. 110:840-847). Briefly, mAb to α-toxin or NetB toxin were coated onto 96 well microtiter plates at a concentration of 0.5 ag/well and incubated overnight at 4° C. The plates were washed and blocked as described previously. Serum samples (100 μL/well) were added and the plates incubated at 4° C. overnight. Following incubation, the plates were washed and treated with unconjugated rabbit polyclonal antibody to α-toxin or NetB (0.2 g/well), incubated at RT for 30 min. After washing the plates for 5 times, 100 μL/well of second detection antibody (anti-rabbit IgG HRP conjugated, 1:10,000) was added, incubated for 30 minutes, followed by color development with substrate. Optical density (OD) was determined at 450 nm with a microplate reader (Bio-Rad, Richmond, Calif.).

In Vitro IgY-NetB Toxin Neutralization Assay

LMH cytotoxicity assay outlined by Keyburn et al. (2008) was used to assess the neutralizing activity of anti-NetB hyperimmune IgY against recombinant NetB protein. LMH cells were added to 96 well tissue culture plates (Corning) (5000 cells/well in 100 μL Waymouth's medium) and pre incubated for 24 h at 37° C. and 5% CO₂. IgY antibodies isolated from eggs of unimmunized hens and from those of hens hyperimmunized with Clostridium perfringens ag-N were incubated with recombinant NetB protein (toxin to IgY ratio-1:20) for 1 h at RT. The pre-incubated IgY-toxin mixtures and NetB alone (390 μg/well) were added to LMH cells in triplicate wells and incubated for 4 h at 37° C. The dehydrogenase activity in the viable cells was measured with Cell Counting Kit-8 (Dojindo Molecular Technologies, Rockville, Md.) and used to calculate the % cytotoxicity.

Clostridium perfringens Growth Inhibition Assay

The efficacy of IgY from hens hyperimmunized with elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu, Antigen B) on inhibiting the growth of Clostridium perfringens in culture was investigated and compared to that of control IgY. Clostridium perfringens Del-1 strain was anaerobically grown in BHI broth (Becton Dickinson, N.J.) overnight at 37° C. Specific and non-specific IgY solutions were sterilized by filtering through 0.22 m membrane filter. Five mL of each IgY solution was then added to equal volume of Clostridium perfringens culture (2.4×10⁷ CFU/mL) and incubated in anaerobic conditions at 37° C. The final conc. of the IgY tested include 1 mg/mL. Samples (1 mL) were taken at 0, 2, 4, 6 and 24 h and serial dilutions were plated on Perfringens agar plates in duplicates (Thermo Scientific, Lenexa, Kans.). The inoculated plates were incubated at 37° C. for 24 hrs and the colonies were counted to determine the total no. of CFU/mL of sample.

Statistical Analysis

Statistical analysis was carried out using SAS software (version 9.4, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, N.C.). All the data were expressed as mean±SEM for each treatment. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and the means separated by Duncan's multiple range test. Results were considered to be significantly different if P≤0.05.

Results

Experiment 1—Body Weight Gain

The body weight gain results from experiment 1 (day of EM challenge to d7 post Clostridium perfringens challenge; 11 day interval) are shown in FIG. 18. The NE infected birds on non-supplemented diets (NE+None) showed significantly lower body weight gain compared to that of uninfected controls on non-supplemented diet. Supplementation of the diets with 1% egg powders B, C, D, and B+C+D protected birds from NE challenge as shown by significantly increased body weight gain compared to that of birds on non-supplemented diets or birds treated with control egg powder.

Experiment 1—Lesion Scores

Supplementation of diets with egg powder B or egg powder C protected birds from NE challenge as shown by the significant reduction in lesion scores following experimental NE challenge relative to birds on non-supplemented diets (FIG. 19).

Experiment 2-Body Weight Gain

The results looked similar to that of experiment 1 and the body weight gain of birds fed with egg powders B and C was significantly higher compared to those fed control egg powder. In fact body weight gain of birds fed egg powders B and C was equal to that of the control uninfected birds (FIG. 20).

Experiment 2-Serum α-Toxin or NetB Toxin Levels

The α-toxin or NetB toxin were not detected in the serum from control group (data not shown). The levels of both α-toxin and NetB in the serum of NE infected birds receiving diets with egg powder B or egg powder C were significantly lower compared to those of birds receiving control egg powder or non-supplemented diet (FIG. 21). However, a significant reduction in serum toxin levels was observed in the birds that received control egg powder compared to the infected controls.

In Vitro Toxin Neutralization

The toxin neutralization ability of hyperimmune IgY raised against NetB toxin (Antigen C) is shown in FIG. 22. Preincubation of NetB toxin with NetB specific hyperimmune IgY neutralized the cytotoxic effect of the toxin as shown by reduced cytotoxicity (12%) as opposed to toxin alone controls (66%). Incubation with IgY from unimmunized hens did not neutralize the toxin.

Clostridium perfringens Growth Inhibition

The results of Clostridium perfringens growth inhibition are shown in FIG. 23. Neither the control IgY nor IgY raised against Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu (Antigen B) showed any inhibitory effect on Clostridium perfringens growth at the concentration tested.

Example 6—Hyperimmune Egg Antibodies Against Coccidian Parasites

Avian coccidiosis is caused by several distinct species of Eimeria protozoa and is the major parasitic disease of poultry of economic importance. As an alternative strategy to control avian coccidiosis without using prophylactic medications, we investigated the efficacy of inducing passive immunity against coccidiosis by orally feeding hyperimmune IgY antibodies. Before in vivo treatment to chicks, three kinds of eggs from hens with PBS or three major proteins which are major antigens against coccidiosis, profilin, MIC2, or Gam82, were spray-dried and solubilized in PBS buffer.

In this study, we hypothesized that passive immunization with egg powder containing hyperimmune anti-coccidia IgY antibodies to young chicks would confer protection against other species of Eimeria. To verify this hypothesis, we continuously fed young chicks egg powders that contain high levels of hyperimmune IgY antibodies against profilin, MIC2, or Gam82 from hatch and the efficacy of passive immunity was evaluated by infecting these chicks orally with E. maxima oocysts.

Cloning of Profilin, MIC2, and Gain 82 Gene

The 3-1E (profilin) gene was cloned by immunoscreening an E. acervulina cDNA library with a rabbit antiserum against E. acervulina merozoites (Lillehoj et al., 2000, Avian Dis. 44:379-389; Lillehoj et al., 2005, Avian Dis. 49: 112-117). This 3-1E profilin gene is highly conserved between E. acervulina and E. tenella, e.g. the sequence of the 3-1E profilin protein is the same in both species. EaProfilin cDNA was amplified by PCR (GenBank accession number; AY660553.1). The 1086-base pair profilin cDNA was subcloned into the pcDNA expression vector (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.), as described (Song et al., 2000, Vaccine 19: 243-252; Lillehoj et al., 2005, Avian Dis. 49: 112-117). The recombinant profilin-pcDNA plasmid was transformed into Escherichia coli DH5a, bacteria was grown overnight to mid-log phase, and plasmid DNA was purified using a commercial kit (Qiagen, Valencia, Calif.), according to the manufacturer's instructions.

EtMIC2 cDNA synthesized from E. tenella was amplified by PCR using the following primers (GenBank accession number AF111839) (Ding et al., 2005, Vaccine 23: 3733-3740). Amplicons were digested with BamHI and Sail, cloned into pGEX-6p-3 (Amersham Biosciences, Piscataway, N.J.), and recombinant EtMIC2-pGEX clones confirmed by sequence analysis. The EtMIC2 coding sequence was subcloned into the BamHI/SalI sites of pcDNA3.1 (Invitrogen), transformed into E. coli DH5α, recombinant plasmids purified (Qiagen, Valencia, Calif.), and quantified spectrophotometrically.

The cDNA from E. maxima was prepared using Thermoscript reverse transcriptase (Invitrogen) with a Gam82-specific reverse primer (Jang et al., 2010, Vaccine 28: 2980-2985). The Gam82 coding sequence was amplified by PCR using Proof Start DNA polymerase (Qiagen, Valencia, Calif.) with the following primer sequences containing Bam HI and Not I restriction enzyme sites (underlined): forward, 5_-AGCTGGATCCACCAGCTCTGGCCAGGATCAGGTG-3_; reverse: 5_-TCTAGAGCGGCCGCTGCCCACATCTCTGATTGTTC-3_. Amplicons were cloned into the pET28a (+) plasmid vector (Novagen/EMD Chemicals, Gibbstown, N.J.) downstream from an NH2-terminal His6 epitope tag, plasmid clones were verified by sequence analysis, and used to transform competent Escherichia coli BL21 Star (Invitrogen).

Expression and Purification of Recombinant Antigens

Recombinant E. coli were induced for 4 h with 0.75 mM IPTG (Bangalore Genei, Bangalore, India) at OD600=0.6, the cells harvested by centrifugation, and lysed with 10_g/ml of lysozyme (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, Mo.) and sonication (Vibra-Cell, Sonics & Materials, Inc., Newtown, Conn.) (Lillehoj et al., 2005; Ding et al., 2005, Jang et al., 2010). The lysate was applied to a Ni2⁺-chelating affinity column (HiTrap, GE Healthcare, Piscataway, N.J.), the column was washed with PBS, pH 7.0 to remove unbound proteins, and bound proteins were eluted step-wise with PBS, pH 7.0 containing 0.5 or 1.0 M imidazole (Sigma). The eluted protein fractions were visualized on 10% SDS-acrylamide gels stained with Coomassie brilliant blue and on Western blots probed with horseradish peroxidase-conjugated anti-His monoclonal antibody (1:3000; Qiagen), and stored at −20° C.

Immunization of Chickens and Preparation of Lyophilized Egg Powder

Eighteen week-old Specific-pathogen-free (SPF) hens were distributed into four groups (n=5/group) and were provided ad libitum access to feed and water. A water-in-oil emulsion was prepared by mixing 500 al of PBS alone or PBS containing 100 ag of each recombinant protein, profilin, MIC2, or Gam82 with 500 μl of Freund's complete adjuvant (Sigma, USA) for the first immunization. Each hen was intramuscularly injected at four sites in breast muscles with a total of 1,000 al of the emulsion (250 al per site). Booster immunizations were given at 2, 4, 8, 12, 18, 24, and 30 weeks after the first immunization with Freund's incomplete adjuvant (Sigma) emulsified with 100 ag of each recombinant protein. Eggs were collected daily for 0 week pre-immunization and up to 8 weeks postimmunization, wiped with 70% ethanol, and stored at 4° C. until further processing. The eggs were broken and the liquid contents pooled and mixed to a homogeneous state. The liquid pool was thermal-treated at 57.2° C. for 30 min, and then spray-dried at 66.1° C. outlet.

Specific Activity and Cross-Reactivity of IgYs

The specific activity and cross-reactivity of IgY was monitored by the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) procedure optimized in previous studies (Lee et al., 2013, Br J Nutr. 110: 840-847; Kassim et al., 2012, J Microbiol Biotechnol 22: 1423-1431). The wells of 96-well microtiter plates were coated with 100 μl of profilin, MIC2, or Gam 82 at 2 ag/ml in carbonate buffer (pH 9.6). Two hundred microliter of 1% skimmed milk in PBS was used to block the uncoated surface. One hundred microliter of anti-profilin, anti-MIC2, or anti-Gam 82 IgYs at 10 ag/ml in PBS was used as primary antibody for the analysis of specific activity and cross-reactivity of IgYs. One hundred microliter of rabbit anti-chicken IgG conjugated with horseradish peroxidase (Sigma-Aldrich) diluted 1:10,000 in PBS was used as a secondary antibody. One hundred microliter of 0.1M citrate buffer (pH 4.0) containing 0.025% ABTS and 0.03% H₂O₂ was used for color development. The absorbance was measured at 450 nm using a microplate reader ELx800 (BioTek Instruments Inc., Vermont, USA). The cross-reactivity was assessed by comparing the optical density obtained when the produced IgYs were used with non-corresponding antigen coated, with those of corresponding antigens.

Experimental Diets and Infection

One hundred fifty one-day-old broilers were randomly assigned to 10 groups (15 birds/group, 7-8 birds/unit) in electrically heated 2 battery units per group. Two groups (uninfected and infected controls) were fed a normal standard diet and 8 groups were fed the diets supplemented with 0.2% and 0.5% egg powders (C0.2, C0.5) from PBS-treated hens, 0.2% and 0.5% egg powders (P0.2, P0.5) from profilin-treated hens, 0.2% and 0.5% egg powders (M0.2, M0.5) from MIC2-treated hens, or 0.2% and 0.5% egg powders (G0.2, G0.5) (v/v) from Gam82-treated hens. At 7 days post-hatch, the infected control group and egg powder-supplemented groups were orally challenged with 5.0×10³ sporulated E. maxima oocysts.

Body Weights, Fecal Oocyst Output, and Lesion Score

Body weights were measured at 0 (pre-infection) (n=15) and 10 days post-infection (dpi) (n=10). For determination of fecal oocyst output, birds were placed in oocyst collection cages (2 birds/cage) and fecal samples were collected between 5 and 10 dpi as described (Lee et al., 2013, Br. J. Nutr. 110: 840-847; Lee et al., 2013, Vet Parasitol. 197: 113-121). Oocyst numbers were determined using a McMaster chamber according to the formula: total oocysts per bird=oocyst count×dilution factor×(fecal sample volume÷counting chamber volume)÷2.

For gut lesions, birds (n=5/group) were euthanized and sacrificed by cervical dislocation at day 7 post-infection with E. maxima. Two equal intestinal sections of 10 cm located anterior and posterior to the diverticulum were collected and scored on a scale of 0 (none) to 4 (high) in a blinded fashion by three independent observers as described (Lee et al., 2013, Vet Parasitol. 197: 113-121).

Statistical Analysis

Each sample was analyzed in quadruplicate. All data were subjected to one-way analysis of variance using SPSS 15.0 for Windows (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Ill.) and were expressed as mean±SEM. The difference of mean values between the uninfected normal control and the infected control groups, and between the infected control and treatment groups was measured according to the t-test and statistical significance was considered at P<0.05.

Results

When antigen-specific IgY Ab titers were measured against the 3 different recombinant Eimeria proteins, their specific activities significantly increased with the increase of immunization period for profilin, MIC2, or Gam82-immunized hens and reached the highest concentration at 4-8 weeks post immunization without cross reactivity. One day-old broiler chicks were continuously fed from hatch at 0.2 and 0.5% hyperimmune IgY Ab diets (v/v), containing PBS control (C0.2, C0.5), profilin (P0.2, P0.5), MIC2 (M0.2, M0.5), and Gam82 Abs (G0.2, G0.5) for 17 days, and orally infected with 5×10³ sporulated Eimeria maxima oocysts at 1 week of age. Eimeria infection significantly decreased body weight in the untreated control with any hyperimmune IgY diet at 17 day-old. However, all chickens fed hyperimmune IgY Ab diets significantly increased body weights (P<0.05) compared to the untreated infected control, and 0.5% concentration had efficiency to prevent body weight loss due to coccidiosis. The chicks fed profilin, MIC2, and Gam82 IgY diets excreted less E. maxima oocysts compared to the untreated controls, and profilin and MIC2 IgY diets significantly decreased intestinal lesions in the chickens fed those diets compared to the untreated controls (P<0.05). These results provide clear evidence that passive immunization of chicks with hyperimmune egg IgY antibodies against profilin, MIC2, and Gam82 provide significant protection against E. maxima infection.

Although passive transfer of maternal antibodies from hens infected with E. maxima to eggs has been shown to partially protect offsprings against E. tenella infection (Smith et al., 1994, Parasitology 109: 551-557), and an intravenously introduced mouse monoclonal antibody against a major oocyst wall protein of E. tenella (Karim et al., 1996, Infect. Immun. 64: 1227-1232) could reduce fecal oocyst output following E. tenella or E. maxima infection, these strategies do not provide a prolonged high titer antibodies to young chicks, especially at the site of infection. Therefore, a delivery strategy that can sustain high-titer antibodies in the gut secretion in order to obtain an effective control method to reduce the intestinal damage due to coccidiosis was needed. In this study, we produced three kinds of egg powders prepared from hens hyperimmunized with three major proteins which are major antigens against coccidiosis, profilin, MIC2, and Gam82, and evaluated their specific activities and protective effect against E. maxima which shows the most serious gut damages and body weight loss among major chicken parasites.

Specific Activity and Cross Reactivity of IgY

The specific activity of egg powder IgY significantly increased (p<0.05) with the increase of immunization period for profilin, MIC2, or Gam82-immunized hens and reached the highest concentration at 4-8 weeks post immunization (FIG. 24). The results agree with Kassim et al. (2012, J Microbiol Biotechnol. 22: 1423-1431) showing that the highest concentration of IgY reached at between 4-7 weeks from the first immunization and was maintained constantly for further three weeks of observation. Generally, the background of IgY to Gam82 was higher than other proteins, but there was no cross-reactivity found in the IgYs tested against the non-corresponding antigens (FIG. 24). Egg whites IgY didn't show any activity against all three recombinant proteins.

Effect of IgY on Body Weights, Fecal Oocyst Output, and Lesion Score

The body weight decreased in the E. maxima-infected control birds compared with the uninfected normal birds (FIG. 25). However, dietary feeding with 0.2 and 0.5% IgY enhanced body weights in the groups fed IgY-supplemented diets; 0.5% IgY diets worked better than 0.2% IgY diet on preventing body weight loss due to Eimeria infection. Feeding IgY antibodies to Eimeria proteins to young chickens resulted in a significantly higher body weight gains, almost comparable to uninfected normal control birds at 10 days post challenge infection.

Oocysts output significantly decreased at both 0.2 and 0.5% concentration of diets in the groups fed hyperimmune IgY antibodies against profilin, MIC2, and Gam82 (FIG. 26) and no difference was found on oocysts output between 0.2 and 0.5% IgY groups (C0.2 and C0.5). However, supplementation with 0.2% and 0.5% egg powders from PBS-treated hens didn't affect oocysts output.

The control group infected with E. maxima and treated without any egg powder showed the highest lesion score (2.9±0.2) and all egg powder IgY decreased lesion scores. However, significant decrease on lesion score was found in P0.2, P0.5, M0.2, and M0.5 groups treated with IgY against profilin or MIC2, but not IgY against Gam82. There was no significant difference was found between the IgY dose of the diets.

In the conclusion, profilin, MIC2, and Gam82 IgY diets significantly increased body weights and decreased oocyst output while intestinal lesions were significantly lowered in the groups fed profilin and MIC2 IgY diets (P<0.05). Though the effect of Gam82 IgY on lesion score looked weak compared to profilin and MIC2 IgY, these results provide clear evidence that passive immunization of chicks with hyperimmune egg IgY antibodies against profilin, MIC2, and Gam82 provide significant protection against E. maxima infection.

Example 7—Efficacy of 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.4% Doses of Hyperimmune Egg Powder Against Necrotic Enteritis in Broiler Chickens Infected with Subclinical Levels of C. perfringens

Experimental Design

The study consisted of 92 cages starting with 8 chicks each. The treatments were replicated in 8-10 blocks of 10 cages each. Two (2) additional cages of 8 birds per cage (16 birds total) were identified and marked for blood collection from treatment groups 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 9. The treatment groups are described below in Table 16.

TABLE 16 Treatment Groups Coccidial Clostridium Cages/ Challenge perfringens Trt 1. Nonmedicated control Day 14 No 10 2. Nonmedicated control Day 14 Day 19, 20, and 21 10 3. Antibiotic control, Day 14 Day 19, 20, and 21 10 bacitracin 50 g/t 4. Control Egg/Not Day 14 Day 19, 20, and 21 10 Hyperimmunized 5. Antigens B, C, Co1, Co2 Day 14 Day 19, 20, and 21 8 0.1% Feed Inclusion Rate 6. Antigens B, C, Co1, Co2 Day 14 Day 19, 20, and 21 10 0.2% Feed Inclusion Rate 7. Antigens B, C, Co1, Co2 Day 14 Day 19, 20, and 21 8 0.4% Feed Inclusion Rate 8. ET-50 + Antigens B, C, Day 14 Day 19, 20, and 21 8 Co1, Co2 0.1% Feed Inclusion Rate 9. ET-50 + Antigens B, C, Day 14 Day 19, 20, and 21 10 Co1, Co2 0.2% Feed Inclusion Rate 10. ET-50 + Antigens B, C, Day 14 Day 19, 20, and 21 8 Co1, Co2 0.4% Feed Inclusion Rate Materials and Methods A. Experimental Ration

An unmedicated chicken starter compounded with feedstuffs commonly used in the United States was formulated. The diet was representative of a local commercial formulation and calculated analyses met or exceeded NRC broiler starter requirements. Experimental treatment feeds were prepared from this basal starter feed. Treatment feeds were mixed to assure a uniform distribution of respective test article. The mixer was flushed to prevent cross contamination. Feed and water was given ad libitum. The feeds were supplemented with egg powders or bacitracin as described above in Table 16. The egg powders were prepared as described in Example 1.

B. Animals

Day of hatch (Day 0) male broiler chicks were obtained from Cobb-Vantress (Cleveland, Ga.). The chicken strain was Cobb 500. At the hatchery, the birds were sexed and received routine vaccinations. Only healthy appearing chicks were used in the study.

C. Housing

Upon arrival, chicks were raised in Petersime battery cages. At placement the birds were fed the treatment feeds. The Petersime battery cages were housed in an insulated, concrete floored, metal structure that measures 40 ft by 100 ft in a north-south direction. The floor space per animal was 0.63 sq·ft/bird. The feeder/water space per bird was 8 birds/24×3.5 inch feeder/water trough. A thermostatically controlled gas furnace/air conditioner was used to maintain uniform temperature, and even illumination was provided.

D. Disease Induction

On Day 14, all birds were orally inoculated with ˜5,000 oocysts of E. maxima. Starting on Day 19, all birds, except Treatment Group 1 were given a broth culture of C. perfringens ˜108 cfu/ml. The C. perfringens is an isolate from a clinical case of necrotic enteritis. It is both alpha toxin and net B toxin positive. The birds were administered a fresh broth culture once daily for 3 days (on Days 19, 20, and 21).

E. Necrotic Enteritis Intestinal Lesion Scoring

On Day 21, three birds from each cage were selected, sacrificed, weighed, and examined for the degree of presence of Necrotic Enteritis lesions. If fewer than three birds were present at time of scoring, all of the birds within the cage were scored. The scoring was based on a 0 to 3 score, with 0 being normal (healthy) and 3 being the most severe.

Lesion score 0=Normal

Lesion score 1=Slight mucus covering small intestine

Lesion score 2=Necrotic small intestine mucosa

Lesion score 3=Sloughed and blood small intestine mucosa and contents

Results

All of the egg powder treatments significantly lowered lesion scores relative to the infected control (treatment group 2) at Day 21. See Table 17. In particular, animal feed supplemented with 0.10% egg powder produced by hyperimmunization with antigens B, C, Co1, Co2, exhibited the greatest decrease in lesion score. In addition, all egg powder treatments except treatment group 8 reduced percent mortality caused by necrotic enteritis. See Table 17. Treatment groups 9 and 10 also exhibited significantly increased feed intake and weight gain relative to the infected control (treatment group 2) from Days 0 to 28. See Table 18.

TABLE 17 Necrotic Enteritis Lesion Score on Day 21 and Percent Necrotic Enteritis Mortality. Lesion Score % NE Treatment Group (0-3) Mortality 1. No Additive, No CP 0.0 d  0.0d 2. No Additive, CP 2.0 a  18.8a 3. Bacitracin 50 g/t, CP 1.3 bc 9.4bc 4. Egg Not Hyperimmunized, CP 1.5 b  7.8bcd 5. Antigens B, C, Co1, Co2, 0.10%, CP 1.1 c  9.4bc 6. Antigens B, C, Co1, Co2, 0.20%, CP 1.4 bc 4.7cd 7. Antigens B, C, Co1, Co2, 0.40%, CP 1.3 bc 6.3bcd 8. ET-50, Antigens B, C, Co1, Co2, 0.10%, CP 1.5 bc 14.1ab 9. ET-50, Antigens B, C, Co1, Co2, 0.20%, CP 1.4 bc 7.8bcd 10. ET-50, Antigens B, C, Co1, Co2, 0.40%, CP 1.4 bc 3.1cd

TABLE 18 Feed Intake and Weight Gain from Day 0 to Day 28. Feed Weight Intake Gain Treatment Group D 0-28 D 0-28 1. No Additive, No CP 7.814a 0.831a 2. No Additive, CP 6.494d 0.584de 3. Bacitracin 50 g/t, CP 6.708bcd 0.648bcd 4. Egg Not Hyperimmunized, CP 6.955bcd 0.559de 5. Antigens B, C, Co1, Co2, 0.10%, CP 6.608cd 0.546e 6. Antigens B, C, Co1, Co2, 0.20%, CP 6.584cd 0.609cde 7. Antigens B, C, Co1, Co2, 0.40%, CP 6.845bcd 0.637bcde 8. ET-50, Antigens B, C, Co1, Co2, 0.10%, CP 6.743bcd 0.642bcde 9. ET-50, Antigens B, C, Co1, Co2, 0.20%, CP 7.125bc 0.708b 10. ET-50, Antigens B, C, Co1, Co2, 0.40%, CP 7.288ab 0.685bc

Example 8—Efficacy of 0.025%, 0.050% and 0.100% Doses of Hyperimmune Egg Powder and 0.400% Dose of an IgY Aqueous Concentrate Against Necrotic Enteritis in Broiler Chickens Infected with Subclinical Levels of C. perfringens

Experimental Design

The study consisted of 80 cages starting with 8 chicks each. The treatments were replicated in 8 blocks of 10 cages each. The treatment groups are shown below in Table 19 below. For treatment Group 10, an IgY aqueous concentrate was diluted in water and administered through a water feeder. The aqueous concentrate was dispensed aseptically, and the remaining concentrate was stored in its closed container under refrigeration until required for preparation of the next treated water reservoir. The IgY concentrate was diluted at a rate of 0.783 mL of IgY aqueous concentrate/L of feeder water. For example, each water reservoir received 6.26 mL of IgY aqueous concentrate well mixed into 8 L of water prior to administration. This dilution rate is a dosing equivalent to a 0.4% w/w inclusion rate of dried egg powder in solid feed, i.e. chickens in treatment Group 10 administered IgY in the feeder water received the same amount of IgY as chickens fed solid feed at a 0.4% dried egg powder feed inclusion rate. Preparation of the IgY aqueous concentrate is described below.

TABLE 19 Treatment Groups. Coccidial Clostridium Cages/ Challenge perfringens Trt 1. Nonmedicated control Day 14 No 8 2. Nonmedicated control Day 14 Day 19, 20, and 21 8 3. Antibiotic control, Day 14 Day 19, 20, and 21 8 bacitracin 50 g/t 4. Antigens B, C, Co1, Co2 Day 14 Day 19, 20, and 21 8 0.025% Feed Inclusion Rate 5. Antigens B, C, Co1, Co2 Day 14 Day 19, 20, and 21 8 0.050% Feed Inclusion Rate 6. Antigens B, C, Co1, Co2 Day 14 Day 19, 20, and 21 8 0.1% Feed Inclusion Rate 7. ET-50 + Antigens B, C, Day 14 Day 19, 20, and 21 8 Co1, Co2 0.025% Feed Inclusion Rate 8. ET-50 + Antigens B, C, Day 14 Day 19, 20, and 21 8 Co1, Co2 0.05% Feed Inclusion Rate 9. ET-50 + Antigens B, C, Day 14 Day 19, 20, and 21 8 Co1, Co2 + 0.1% Feed Inclusion Rate 10. ET-50 + Antigens B, C, Day 14 Day 19, 20, and 21 8 Co1, Co2 + administered via drinking water at a dose equivalent to 0.40% ET-50 + Antigens B, C, Co1, Co2 dried egg powder Materials and Methods A. Experimental Ration

An unmedicated chicken starter compounded with feedstuffs commonly used in the United States was formulated. The diet was representative of a local commercial formulation and calculated analyses met or exceeded NRC broiler starter requirements. Experimental treatment feeds were prepared from this basal starter feed. Treatment feeds were mixed to assure a uniform distribution of the test article. The mixer was flushed to prevent cross contamination. The feed was distributed among cages of the same treatment. This ration (in mash form) was fed during the study.

B. Animals

Day of hatch male broiler chicks were obtained from Cobb-Vantress, Cleveland, Ga. The strain was Cobb 500. Breeder flock information was recorded. At the hatchery, the birds were sexed and received routine vaccinations. Only healthy appearing chicks were used in the study. Eight chicks were placed per cage. Disposition of all birds not used for allocation was documented.

C. Housing

Upon arrival, chicks were raised in Petersime battery cages. At placement the birds were fed the treatment feeds. The chicks were housed in an insulated, concrete floored, metal structure. Thermostatically controlled gas furnace/air conditioner maintained uniform temperature.

Procedures

A. Bird Allocation and Cage Randomization

The study began when the birds were placed (day of hatch) (Day 0) at which time they were allocated to the experimental cages. No birds were replaced during the course of the study.

B. Cage Weights

All birds were weighed on Day 0, 14, 21, and 28. Feed was weighed in on Day 0 and remaining feed was weighed on Day 14, 21, and 28.

C. Disease Induction

On Day 14, all birds were orally inoculated with 5,000 oocysts of Eimeria maxima. Starting on Day 19, all birds, except Treatment 1 were given a broth culture of Clostridium perfringens −10⁸ cfu/ml. The CP is an isolate from a clinical case of necrotic enteritis. It is both alpha toxin and net B toxin positive. The birds were administered a fresh broth culture once daily for 3 days (on Days 19, 20, and 21).

D. Necrotic Enteritis Intestinal Lesion Scoring

On Day 21, three birds from each cage were selected, sacrificed, weighed, and examined for the degree of presence of Necrotic Enteritis lesions. The scoring was based on a 0 to 3 score, with 0 being normal and 3 being the most severe.

Lesion score 0=Normal

Lesion score 1=Slight mucus covering small intestine

Lesion score 2=Necrotic small intestine mucosa

Lesion score 3=Sloughed and blood small intestine mucosa and contents

E. Management

1. The facility was checked thoroughly to assure that all cages had water and that feed was available in every cage. The building temperature's range was maintained at an appropriate temperature for the age of the birds.

2. Even, continuous illumination was provided by fluorescent lamps hung vertically along the wall.

3. Feed and water were given ad libitum.

4. The cages were checked twice daily. Observations included were the availability of feed and water, temperature control, and any unusual conditions. The birds were watched closely for any abnormal reactions.

5. When dead birds were removed from cages, the cage number, date, weight of the bird, sex, and probable cause of death were recorded.

F. Preparation of IgY Aqueous Concentrate from Egg Yolks

Step 1: Three volumes of 0.3% Acetic acid (33 liters) was mixed with 11 liters of pasteurized egg yolks, and the mixture was refrigerated for at least 12 hr, at 2-8° C.

Step 2: The mixture was centrifuged at 17,000×g, to minimize settleable solids in the aqueous concentrate. Centrifugation yielded approximately 36.6 L of supernatant and a 7.4 L pellet.

Step 3: 98% caprylic acid was added to the aqueous supernatant at a ratio of 1.9-2.1% V/V to yield approximately 37.4 L total volume. The solution was mixed for 4 hours at 2-8° C. and then centrifuged at 17,000×g to clarify the aqueous concentrate. Centrifugation yielded approximately 27.4 L of supernatant, and a 10 L pellet.

Step 4: Caprylic acid was decanted from the supernatant and the supernatant was filtered on large size buchner funnels to remove residual solids, if any.

Step 5: Water was removed from the supernatant by filtration to achieve approximately 20% solids.

To recover additional IgY, the pellet formed in Step 3 was mixed with deionized water at a ratio of 1:1 v/v, and the mixture was centrifuged at 17,000×g. The supernatant was then processed as described in Steps 4 and 5 above.

The aqueous IgY concentrate was stored at 4° C. until use.

Results

All of the IgY treatments (treatment Groups 3-10) significantly lowered lesion scores and percent mortality relative to the infected control (treatment group 2) at Day 21. See Table 20. Treatment groups 4 to 8 also exhibited significantly increased weight gain relative to the infected control (treatment group 2) from Days 0 to 28. See Table 21.

TABLE 20 Necrotic Enteritis Lesion Score on Day 21 and Percent Necrotic Enteritis Mortality. Lesion Score % NE Treatment Group (0-3) Mortality 1. No Additive, No CP 0.0d 0.0e 2. No Additive, CP 1.9a 37.5a 3. Antibiotic control, bacitracin 50 g/t, CP 1.0bc 10.9bcde 4. Antigens B, C, Co1, Co2 1.0bc 21.9b 0.025% Feed Inclusion Rate, CP 5. Antigens B, C, Co1, Co2, CP 1.0bc 15.6bcd 0.050% Feed Inclusion Rate 6. Antigens B, C, Co1, Co2 0.9c 7.8cde 0.1% Feed Inclusion Rate, CP 7. ET-50 + Antigens B, C, Co1, Co2 1.2bc 20.3bc 0.025% Feed Inclusion Rate, CP 8. ET-50 + Antigens B, C, Co1, Co2 1.3b 17.2bcd 0.05% Feed Inclusion Rate, CP 9. ET-50 + Antigens B, C, Co1, Co2 + 1.0bc 15.6bcd 0.1% Feed Inclusion Rate, CP 10. ET-50 + Antigens B, C, Co1, Co2 + 1.0bc 7.8de administered via drinking water at a dose equivalent to 0.40% ET-50 + Antigens B, C, Co1, Co2 dried egg powder, CP

TABLE 21 Feed Intake, Feed Conversion and Weight Gain from Day 0 to Day 28. Feed Weight Intake Gain Treatment Group D 0-28 D 0-28 1. No Additive, No CP 9.001a 0.804a 2. No Additive, CP 7.377cd 0.478d 3. Antibiotic control, bacitracin 50 g/t, CP 8.040bc 0.590bcd 4. Antigens B, C, Co1, Co2 7.664cd 0.624bc 0.025% Feed Inclusion Rate, CP 5. Antigens B, C, Co1, Co2, CP 7.789bcd 0.608bc 0.050% Feed Inclusion Rate 6. Antigens B, C, Co1, Co2 8.609ab 0.683b 0.1% Feed Inclusion Rate, CP 7. ET-50 + Antigens B, C, Co1, Co2 7.120d 0.638bc 0.025% Feed Inclusion Rate, CP 8. ET-50 + Antigens B, C, Co1, Co2 7.608cd 0.676b 0.05% Feed Inclusion Rate, CP 9. ET-50 + Antigens B, C, Co1, Co2 + 7.582cd 0.582bcd 0.1% Feed Inclusion Rate, CP 10. ET-50 + Antigens B, C, Co1, Co2 + 8.158abc 0.588cd administered via drinking water at a dose equivalent to 0.40% ET-50 + Antigens B, C, Co1, Co2 dried egg powder, CP

Example 9—Detection of IgY Antibodies in Hyperimmunized Eggs

Hens were hyperimmunized for detection of polyclonal antibodies to each of the four antigens B, C, Co1 and Co2 in eggs collected from the hyperimmunized animals. One group of hens was hyperimmunized with the four antigens B, C, Co1 and Co2. A second group of hens was hyperimmunized with the four antigens B, C, Co1 and Co2, and the ET-50 antigen described above in Example 1. Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) hens were used as a control to determine the increase in antibodies to the B, C, Co1 and Co2 antigens resulting from hyperimmunization. The treatment groups of hens are summarized in Table 22 below.

TABLE 22 Hen treatment groups for detection of IgY antibodies to B, C, Co1 or Co2 antigens by ELISA in egg samples. Treatment Antigens for Group Hyperimmunization 1 B, C, Co1 and Co2 2 B, C, Co1, Co2 and ET-50 3 None, Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) hens

The final concentration of each of the four antigens B, C, Co1 and Co2 in the vaccine was 100 ag/ml. The volume of the 26 antigen pool that was used to formulate the NE+PL-100 vaccine was replaced with 10 mM PBS, pH 7.4 in the NE Only vaccine. The vaccines consisted of equal parts of the antigen mixture and Freund's adjuvant. A Freund's Complete adjuvant was used for the priming dose (administered as 2×0.5 ml dosed into each breast), and a Freund's incomplete adjuvant was used as a boost dose (administered as 1×0.5 ml dose into one breast). The boost doses were given 2 weeks following priming and again at 5 weeks following priming. Eggs were collected starting 10 days following the priming dose, and continued over a period of 10 days which yielded about 360 eggs. Eggs were pooled on three different days within the 10 day period, and each pool was analyzed separately by ELISA. The eggs were broken, homogenized and frozen. A portion of the eggs from each pool was spray dried, while another portion from each pool was maintained as liquid whole egg.

A sample from each of the liquid eggs and the corresponding spray dried product was analyzed by ELISA for detection of polyclonal antibodies to antigens B, C, Co1 and Co2. Each ELISA assay also included control eggs from the SPF hens (treatment group 3). In addition, a sample with no egg was used as a negative control (nc) for the ELISA assay, and a sample containing isolated IgY antibodies from egg known to contain IgY against the specific antigen of interest was used as a positive control (pAb). The treatment groups for the ELISA assay are shown in Table 23 below.

TABLE 23 Treatment groups for ELISA detection of IgY antibodies to B, C, Co1 or Co2 in egg samples. Treatment Group Name Description 1 NE Only Egg sample from hens hyper- immunized with B, C, Co1 and Co2 2 NE + PL-100 Egg sample from hens hyper- immunized with B, C, Co1, Co2, and PL-100 3 Specific Pathogen Egg sample from Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) control Free (SPF) hens 4 ELISA negative Sample without egg control (nc) 5 ELISA positive Purified IgY antibodies containing control (pAb) polyclonal antibodies to B, C, Co1 and Co2 antigens ELISA Assay

96 well flat bottom plates were coated with E. coli expressed recombinant protein B, C, Co1 or Co2 antigen (100 ul of 10 ug/ml protein), 2 plates for each antigen. Samples were serially diluted with 0.1% BSA/PBS ELISA assay buffer. Plates were shaken for 30 sec on rocker gently and then left at 4° C. (or −20° C.) overnight. Samples were washed 2 times with 0.05% Tween-20+1×PBS. The liquid was flicked off and the plates were patted dry on paper towels. 100 ul 1% BSA/PBS was added to each well for blocking. The plates were incubated for 60 min with gentle shaking at room temperature. The liquid was flicked off and plates were patted dry on paper towels. 100 ul of serially diluted Egg yolk in 0.1% BSA/PBS was added. The starting concentration of total egg yolk protein was 1 mg/ml (measured at 280 nm with nanodrop). The dilutions tested were 1000, 500, 250, 125, 62.5, 31.25, 15.63, 7.813, 3.906, 1.953, 0.977 and 0.488 ag total egg yolk protein/ml.

The plates were incubated for 1 hr with gentle shaking at room temperature. Plates were washed 6 times, liquid was flicked off and plate was dried in paper towels. 100 ul of detecting Ab (Anti-chicken IgY-peroxidase 1:500 in 0.1% BSA/PBS) was added to each well and samples were mixed gently and incubated for 30 min at R.T. with shaking. Plate was washed 6 times, liquid was removed, and plate was dried. 100 ul of freshly prepared Peroxidase substrate solution well dissolved in developing buffer (10 ml of 0.05 M phosphate citrate buffer+1 TMB tablet, vortexing until completely dissolved, and then added 50 ul of hydrogen peroxidase (30%)—just before adding to plate) was added to each well. Color development was confirmed by mixing 100 ul of peroxidase substrate with 100 ul peroxidase rabbit antibody. Samples were incubated 5-15 minutes at room temperature to allow color development. 50 ul of 2N H₂SO₄ was added to stop reaction as color developed, inducing a color change from blue to yellow. Absorbance was read at 450 nm.

Results

All of the egg samples from hens hyperimmunized with antigens B, C, Co1 and Co2 (treatment group 1) or antigens B, C, Co1, Co2 and ET-50 (treatment group 2) contained more IgY antibodies for each of the antigens B, C, Co1 and Co2 than egg samples from hens that were not hyperimmunized (i.e. SPF hens, treatment group 3). See FIGS. 28 and 29. The increased levels of IgY antibodies to B, C, Co1 or Co2 in the hyperimmunized eggs was observed in both liquid whole eggs (FIG. 28) and spray-dried egg powder (FIG. 29). For example, in spray-dried egg powder, hens hyperimmunized with antigens B, C, Co1 and Co2 (treatment group 1) exhibited at least a three-fold increase in IgY antibodies to antigen Co1, at least a 2-fold increase in IgY antibodies to antigen B, at least a 5-fold increase in IgY antibodies to antigen Co2, and at least a 2-fold increase in IgY antibodies to antigen C at the highest dilution rate relative to spray-dried egg powder from control hens that were not hyperimmunized (SPF hens). See FIG. 29. Thus hyperimmunization resulted in large increases in IgY antibodies to antigens B, C, Co1 and Co2 relative to hens that were not hyperimmunized. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A hyperimmunized egg produced by an animal that has been hyperimmunized with at least one isolated antigen selected from the group consisting of Clostridium perfringens α-toxin, Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu), Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin, Clostridium perfringens Pyruvate: Ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFO), and Eimeria tenella elongation factor 1-alpha, wherein the hyperimmunized egg comprises an increased level of an antibody to said at least one antigen of at least 500% relative to an egg from an animal that has not been hyperimmunized.
 2. The hyperimmunized egg of claim 1, wherein the level of antibodies to Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu) and Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin in the hyperimmunized egg product is increased relative to the egg from the animal that has not been hyperimmunized.
 3. The hyperimmunized egg of claim 1, wherein the hyperimmunized animal has also been hyperimmunized with Eimeria tenella 3-1E profilin.
 4. The hyperimmunized egg of claim 3, wherein the level of antibodies to Eimeria tenella 3-1E profilin in the hyperimmunized egg is increased relative to the egg from the animal that has not been hyperimmunized.
 5. The hyperimmunized egg of claim 1, wherein the hyperimmunized animal has also been hyperimmunized with at least one antigenic bacterium selected from the group consisting of Escherichia coli; Escherichia coli (Aerobacter); Klebsiella pneumoniae; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Salmonella typhimurium; Salmonella dysenteriae; Salmonella enteriditis; Salmonella epidermis; Salmonella simulans; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 1; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 3; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 5; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 8; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 12; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 14; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 18; Streptococcus pyogenes, type 22; Pseudomonas vulgaris; Streptococcus agalactiae; Streptococcus mitis; Streptococcus mutans; Streptococcus salavarius; Streptococcus sanguis; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Propionibacterium acnes; and Haemophilis influenzae.
 6. A hyperimmunized egg product obtained from the hyperimmunized egg of claim
 1. 7. An animal feed comprising the hyperimmunized egg product of claim
 6. 8. The hyperimmunized egg product of claim 6, wherein the hyperimmunized egg product is an egg powder.
 9. The hyperimmunized egg product of claim 6, wherein the hyperimmunized egg product is an aqueous solution. 